I’ve travelled across certain parts
Of the East and West
And witnessed that which
Boldly stands and passes time’s test.
Whether I saw the confident
Waterfalls of Niagara Falls
Or the humbling mountains
In Palestine, proud and tall
Or the talented clouds that softly dance
Across the skies
And beautifully play with the sun,
Lingering behind them in disguise…
Immediately,
What comes to mind
Is how these creations
Stood, and passed, the test of time.
Whether I saw the ancient powerful
Pillars of the Masjid al-Aqsa
Or the Aya-Sofya and Blue Mosque
In Turkey, full of awe
Or the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem…
I notice one thing all these
Man-made structures have in common…
They stood their ground
Through rain and sunshine
I can only marvel at how
They passed the test of time.
The architects of sacred buildings
Thought not of modernly dull designs
They contemplated a timeless beauty
That revealed their reverence for the Divine.
And beauty…
When it is pure beauty sublime…
Stands… demands…
And passes the test of time.
Rocky mountains and vast oceans
Cheerful birds and ringed wise trees
Fruits of all colours and degrees of flavors
Loyal horses and honeybees…
They exist to glorify their Creator
By doing what they were always meant to do
What it means to finally catch the truth
Is to learn how to be true, to you.
His creation alone puts
In our chests
Instant feelings of humility, sincerity
And tranquil rest.
And sincerity…
When it is true sincerity… shines.
And it can stand
And pass, the test of time.
As for myself, I wonder
Will I pass the test of time?
Will who I am assemble to become a lasting poem
Or am I to be as insignificant as a silly rhyme?
Will my actions
And my words
Both the spoken
And unheard…
Will my thoughts
And my beliefs
Moments of joy,
Moments of grief…
Through and with them,
Will it end in cause of praise or condemn?
Will my minuscule deeds of goodness
Live on even when I am lifeless?
All these miracles and signs around us
Showing us what it means to pass
The test of a lifetime
If only I can always be aware
That I have yet to pass
Life’s test of mine.
And Allah (God) knows Best.
-A.S.
