As I read a line of scripture,
or pore over a prayer
as I listen to a warning tale
or a shard or two of poetry.
When I hear a new, old word
from an old timer in the majlis¹
- slow-moving but quick of tongue (subhanallah²) -
as he sips his darkened tea.
I thank God and my forebears
from Abraham to Muhammad
and blood-fathers and blood-mothers
for teaching us how to be.
They taught us so we never
seek refuge – head bowed –
with another nation or religion
to teach us how to speak.
¹ Literally “sitting place” where men gather socially.
² Literally “glory be to God”; here meant to express bemused admiration that the old man’s tongue is quick despite his slow movements.
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