Ruh

Someone laced my wine with spirit
Someone laced the spirit with bitterant
A cold bucket of water for the devout
Who lay pleasantly drunk doing zikr
But not to worry

Who but the Beloved would test His loved ones
Who plunges the faithful into dark cold ocean depths
Who casts the children into water that they may swim
Who guides them through inebriety and sobriety
To lift them up close

I search for His Love in the lament of Ayyub
I seek His Patience in the suffering of Yusuf
I ask for temperence in succour with a sajda on the saddle
I know Pharoah must drown in my river of tears
And the dust kiss my beard.

Every difficulty is a test. In an ephermal world, it too must pass.

Written to "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go" by the Reverend George Matheson, "Dancing In The Dark" by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band (shoutout to Ratul) and "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac.