Devotional Poetry

Holy Week

1
Jalal's Child

Jalal's child is born in Glory;
Jamal's child in Beauty walks;
Kamal's child seeks Perfection;
Fidal's child walks in Grace;
'Idal's child practices Justice;
Istijlal's child in Majesty dwells;
Istiqlala's child seeks Independence.

2
Dawn

The rays of God's dawning light scatter the forces of night,
Sends into hiding the fowl smelling creatures of darkness,
And bestows new life on all turning to the light.

3
Upon Peace,
By Way of Question & Answer

I bring you peace! Quest. What will peace do?
         Ans. Bestow justice on you.
I bring you peace! Quest. What will peace do?
         Ans. Bring independence to you.
I bring you peace! Quest. What will peace do?
         Ans. Reveal God's glory to you.
I bring you peace! Quest. What will peace do?
         Ans. Unveil God' majesty to you.
I bring you peace! Quest. What will peace do?
         Ans. Reflect God's beauty to you.
I bring you peace! Quest. What will peace do?
         Ans. Define perfection for you.
I bring you peace! Quest. What will peace do?
         Ans. Show God's grace to you.

4
Justice's Case

Across Earth's face
Justice pleads its case
With the severed limbs of humanity.

5
Justice's Mandate

Justice dictates
that one not judge a religion
by the actions
of its followers!

Justice view religion
as a sea of divine concepts;
the scriptures
as rives flowing through history.

Justice says
that our prejudices
blind us to the truth.

Just reveeals
that God is the same,
only our vision of Him changes.

6
Independence Day

The inner child,
desiring independence,
seeks to exceed its programmed limits.

7
Justice

Justice is a dragon
flying through the air
asking itself questions
about its own actions:
         Do I accept responsibility for my actions and thoughts?
         Do I stand up for others and myself?

Justice voice of thunder,
and of God in the dreams of His lovers.

Justice is God's promise kept,
and His best beloved.

Justice is a prayer
on the lips of the oppressed,
and joy on the lips of the faithful.

Justice is possible,
it's the goal of the self aware.

8
Justice's Affirmation

I act with justice.
I investigate the truth for myself.
I form my own opinions.
I avoid gossip and backbiting.
I stand up for the rights of others.
I stand up for the rights of myself.

9

Poet's Note: ▼

These poems were inspired by the days of the Baha'i week. The English names are: Glory, Beauty, Perfection, Grace, Justice, Majesty, and Independence.