4.24.2008

A Poem by Kazim Ali


After reading the William Stafford poem Mary posted, which so simply and elegantly sums up the miracle we live every day, I was reminded of this one, which I read on Poetry Daily back in 2000 and have always touched back to when my own faith wanes.

ZEHRA BEGUM

your ribs are thick ridges
but you do not eat.

your eyes are so tired
but you do not sleep.

you say you want to feel belief
but you do not pray.

Kazim, listen:

fruit out of dirt
is your proof.

folding into sleep
is the miracle.

quiet your voice & listen
to the silence.

in the sound
of its absence

you will hear belief.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

beautiful

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