I got the message before leaving for work
And I was so sad
but I still left
confused
I am so sorry
a shot of pain
but life interferes
stifle the hurt
dam up the tears
and go on, you go on
though the morning is thick and dim
you pull the drawstring on your throat
and clasp shut your ribs
because it is
so sad
In the evening I came to see you
in your disquiet
and tried to say
something soft and meaningful
with a closed throat
I am so silent, I am so sorry
And I know I have no real share in this
my grief is peripheral to yours
the open door brought a cold draft in -
and I stand briefly in the chill
but soon will return
where it is still warm
while you remain, frostbitten to the bone
people come but people go
and are so sad, and are so sorry,
but life interferes
we warm up again
you drain
the tears
nothing but patience, beautiful patience
to Allah we belong, and to Him we return
only Allah
never leaves you alone.