The Coliseum --- First Prize

The Coliseum
 
Qasim Rashid

Majlis Chicago West


I enter the coliseum, with a blindfold on my heart

And a pain that thrusts my soul, just to threaten, tear apart

I enter the coliseum, and the light that blinds my eyes

Forces blisters on my hands, so I squint just to surmise

What is my goal to conquer?  For what shall I go bleed?

And who has tied these shackles?  Oh how can I be freed?

Their sword it glistens brightly, by beasts I am surrounded

The chants of death confound me, my faith, like prey, is hounded

I turn to run but stumble, upon their pits and falls

I scream but it's made silent, can no one hear my call?

They throw their slogans freely, my words fall to the floor

Their evil it increases, I seek, but find no door

No place consort or refuge, no solidarity

I turn to face my struggle, and see but barely

My reflection in their armor, a glimmer in their shield

A sign on high from Allah!  He says My Son don't yield!

What is this brilliant victory?! Like the fall of Dowie's Zion!!

I see I'm Not the prey, My friends, I AM THE LION!!!

My shackles fall beside me, I see the colored birds!

And from a strength awakened, Erupt courageous words!

I own this coliseum! My roar will curl your blood!

You think your idols scare me? I'll crush them into mud!

How dare you think you'll stop me, for I am Allah's slave!!

Who trails my dear Muhammad (sa), and Ahmad (as) to my grave!

I storm the coliseum!  That blindfold torn to shreds!

That pain that once had pained me, has now become my bread!

I must convey this message, this light unto the lamp

That spreads its light like heaven, gives credence with its stamp

With firmest of convictions, from the hollows of my soul!

I fight with prayer and knowledge, convey it to the whole!

Of all the coliseum, to every spark of life!

And this is now my struggle, with joy, I take this strife!

Oh listen my dear brothers!  My Lions of the Lord!

It does not dare behoove you, to fear their greatest sword!

They fight with lies and hatred, you teach with only love

They seek to spread their idols, you've found Allah above

As Allah said Muhammad (sa), convey to them this truth

And we shall follow bravely, Islam as our proof!

I know that I shall win it, this western coliseum

My pen's my sword in battle, it's ink the holy serum

Envision it the Victory, just as we conquered Zion!

It's mine, this coliseum, for I, am Allah's Lion!