* "Holding a babe was he in arms...

* "Holding a babe was he in arms,* * of water deprived, 'gainst humane norms* * Like fading stars, his eyes did show* * His wavy hair by the wind did blow.* * The babe hovered between life and death,* * Breathing he was an erratic breath.* * Hussain did gently hold his hand,* * This tender touch was a magic wand.* * A smile flickered, at the baby's face,* * Appeared a sweetness, lovely grace.* * An innocent gesture, to quietly tell:* * "Worry not father, all is well."* * (A died-down candle just flickered* * Briefly, a sinking ship anchored.)* * True love played its mystic part,* * A conscious heart knew a conscious heart* * Hussain caressed the babe, with care* * With fingers combed his wavy hair.* * (A babe subjected to pangs of thirst,* * By the despicable, Caliphs, heartless, worst)* * His drought was "slaked" by the wild mob,* * An archers arrow, did its job.* * Appalled was nature, did providence weep,* * The babe in his father's arms, did "sleep ".* * With his firm, unshaking hand,* * The father dug the glowing sand,* * An emotions' tempest, though did blow,* * No solitary tear, his grief did show.* * His visage reflected a desolate grace,* * A muffled anguish engulfed his face* * The babe he put in the gloomy grave* * This charming gift to Islam he gave* Imam Hussain said, "I find solace in the fact that what has befallen me is in the way of Allah, the Exalted.

0 Lord! Let his position with you not be less than the station of the young (weaned) camel of Salih's she-camel. 0 Lord! if you have withheld victory from us, substitute it with that which will be better than victory; exact your revenge on the oppressors, make the afflictions that befell us in this world a treasure for us in the hereafter." Previous…