\SONG for SHEIKH ASHIR
to the memory of Sheikh Ashir Maadoow Mahad;
and to Mohammed Haji Mukhtar
If I could have sat,
At the feet of the sheikh of my choice –
It would have been those of Sheikh Ashir.
If I should ever journey,
To a sacred sepulchre:
It will be to the resting place of Sheikh Ashir.
They needed him then.
You know we need him now.
To have sat and received the jewels,
Flowing from his mouth –
Letting them sparkle in my head.
He spoke of the treasure of peace,
The wealth to be gained by it –
Of dignity for you and I.
Peace carried more gems than war,
Enrichment for all –
Golden handshake of humanity.
If I could have sat,
At the feet of the sheikh of my choice –
It would have been those of Sheikh Ashir.
If I should ever journey
To a sacred sepulchre:
It will be to the resting place of Sheikh Ashir.
They needed him then.
You know we need him now.
© Natty Mark Samuels, 2015. African School.
