Mosque Wall

 

They made me share

My wall with a mosque,

Saying to comfort, ‘you are fortunate

You are close to God.’

So I share my wall with a mosque

But neither my world nor my God

In that mosque.

Wife cajoles

I pray in the mosque

Where I am regularly told:

‘Pray five times a day

It will handsomely pay.’

Further, I am advised:

‘Give zakat and alms,

Fast every Ramadhan

And speak the truth.’

So truth I shall tell:

I don’t share my world and God

With those who pray in the mosque.

How can I share with them

When my wall keeps me apart

From those who just pray in the mosque?

My God says grow more trees.

Keep thy neighbourhood clean

And in harmony and pious peace.

I am whispered: I need not come to the mosque

To throw some coins

In full public gaze

On wrinkled, twisted open palms

And tattered spread scarves

Of veiled deserted, destitute women

Toddlers pasted on their hollow busts.

‘Go to their homes,’

In whispering voice

I am gently told.

‘Save them their long

Journey to the mosque.’

My God says

Break the wall

Not of the mosque

But between those

Who religiously pray

five times a day in mosques

In green and black headgears

Combing well oiled beards.

And donate for granite stones

Where people slip from truth

And what is being from pulpit told.

M. Hasan

Summer, 2010 Jodhpur