Cloak of the Covenant

Cloak of the Covenant


You walked along Akka's ancient stones,
your coat slung lightly over shoulders.
Munírih understood.
She kept another, just in case.
Possessions had never been your weakness.
You breathed to serve
and there were always some who needed cloaks
of kindness. Even cruel words
inflicted on your generosity you turned aside
like roaches shaken from shoes.
You wore your warmth
like flaps of coats, to be taken off
and placed on other shoulders.
This was the way you served
and how you taught connections. This was
the covenant you donned each day.

© Kåre Enga

catalogue number: [162.575]
26 november 2005


Note: 'Abdu'l-Bahá (May 23, 1844 - November 28, 1921) was known for his kindness and for teaching by example. His wife had to keep extra coats available as he would be constantly giving them away. The 25-26th of November is set aside to commemorate his designation as Center of the Covenant by Bahá'u'lláh. His passing is observed at 1 a.m. the morning of the 28th of November.

Useful link:

http://www.bahai.org/article-1-3-0-4.html

http://info.bahai.org/article-1-3-4-3.html

Thanks to Hilda Enoch for help in editing.