O dear! Here I am to win your love
Not sure of the question of why or how.
I have with me loads of gold
In my bag are penny papers rolled
My hands are full of Hindi costumes
Plenty are the boxes of Hijazi perfumes
O My starry-eyed beloved!
I still have something better
Even angels salute its very letter
Your lips by it shall become sweet
Even the taste of honey will it defeat
Lift the veil of solitude to lend me your ears
Believe me, it will please you for years
Shall I tell you what that thing is –
‘On His Rasool may descend much Peace!’
January 16 2004. On the flight from Calicut to Sharjah.
Notes
descend much Peace: i.e., recite sallallahu alaihi wa sallam.
