we will emerge from the smoldering ashes
faisal ahmad



fire rages across a forest 
flames rise up to the sky 
burning ancient trees 
leaves, lives, homes 
all is lost 
wildlife sanctuary no more 
 
fire gives way to wind 
gives way to rain 
tiny droplets from heaven 
crackling wood and water 
tiptoeing sound  
ashes a seedling emerges 
green and smoke 
life begins anew 
 
bombs rain tempest fire death 
hospital overflowing 
babies crying a new face 
'its a girl' 
death destruction 
'say the adhan in her ear' 
theres no more room for the injured 
'her name is mariam'  
life emerges will emerge 
 
the masjid last night 
a women walks in 
islamophobia 
'my name is valencia' 
i'm ready for shahada 
...theres no sisters... 
i'm ready now 
second one this week 
'i bear witness' 
'Allah' 
'Muhammad (peace be upon him)' 
Allahu akbar 
 
Allah is greater 
we will survive 
Allah is greater 
we will emerge  
from the smoldering  
ashes 
 
 
Allah is greater