The Meeting – By Novid Shaid

The Meeting

By Novid Shaid, September, 2010

Innamaa hadhihi hayaatu mataa’ – “verily this life is full of struggles”- Young Fata
to Dhun Nun Al Misri– Kitab Ul Futuwwa

Abadan tahinnu ilaykumu arwah – “forever do the spirits find rest with You” – Imam
Shihaabudeen Suhwardi

When I was a restless youth
And my heart was searching for truth
A chance meeting transformed me
And I was born again, weeping like a baby.

It was as I roamed and strode
Through the streets, heaving in a state of overload
My head was grinding and saturated
With worldly worries and grasping faces.

And the world seemed dangerous and malicious
Talk and gazes looked so vicious
About the things that I believed
People burned my book of dreams.

Then I caught a glimpse of him
And I couldn’t help but wince,
At the light which shone so bright
Right on through to a paradise.

He stood, helpless, back to the wall
surrounded by these menacing Neanderthals
who jostled, poked and sniggered,
laughing at his clumsy clothes and rough condition.

And though I was hesitant and afraid
These boys had cruelty written all over their gazes
I couldn’t stop myself from saving
him, the lights pulled me in, amazing.

And when I stood before these guys,
without warning, they dematerialised.
And now I stood before his eyes.
I drowned in a sea of light, then I cried.

He stood silent for a while
Handing me a cloth for my tears to dry.
Then he looked deep in my eyes
And sang to me these unforgettable lines:

“I’m a poor man on the road
I live without abode
Only scraps are good enough for me
Few desire to speak with me.

But when Your sun rose in my life
And Your moon reflects Your light
The warmth eases my pain
And pure cheer graces my days.

And when I meet Your special friends
Oh the joy and hope they bring
As we sing about Your light
While this aging world staggers by.

So take the rough and tumble on the chin
Don’t worry about people and their din
For this life is hope and fear,
The pain rides with the cheer.”

Then he left and I never saw him again
But the anguish was cleared from my head.
And I saw things as they are
Lights engulfed me, spectacular.

Now I roam on through this life
With energetic children and busy wife.
Leaning on each other for motivation
Sometimes suffering the trials and tribulations.

But every now and then, we cry,
With tears of joy and heavy sighs
The lights of heaven shine and glisten
And I can’t help but stop and sing:

“I’m a poor man on the road
I live without abode
Only scraps are good enough for me
Few desire to speak with me.

But when Your sun rose in my life
And Your moon reflects Your light
The warmth eases my pain
And pure cheer graces my days.

And when I meet Your special friends
Oh the joy and hope they bring
As we sing about Your light
While this aging world staggers by.

So take the rough and tumble on the chin
Don’t worry about people and their din

For this life is hope and fear,
The pain rides with the cheer.”