Forty Houses Poem by Nassy Fesharaki

Forty houses

Love to be a Muslim
-if Islam is father's
-he was a role-model

"Don't bother to pray…
-will not be accepted…"
-he said and explain:
- "if neighbour lacks food, bed
-in any of your sides, directions,
-to forty you must count the houses."

Love to be a Muslim
-if this is what it means
- (Be caring; socialist…)

In his faith Ramadhan
-was great among months
-meant the month of concern
- "Do not eat; you must save
-the best meal of your day
-for the poor, regardless
-of who, where…"

It means not eating much
- "…after fast when Iftar greets night;
-neither is resting lot, singing songs
-with TV, music to have fun
-work the same, in month of Ramadhan…"

He welcomed the hijab but not as:
- "Cover hair, expose rest
-colour face with makeup
-or wear tight, show the butt
-sexy and attractive; for the eyes…"

Love to be a Muslim
-if Islam is father's:
- "Be caring, sacrifice."

Where has that Islam gone?
- "Be careful of hands, eyes! "

To dad all the genders
-had to be respected
-forbidden was thinking
-of better race, colour

Love to be a Muslim
-if Islam is father's

"Son…" he said soft and calm
- "…women are neither land nor
-are they machines or animals…"
-emphasised: "Treat them equal."

He worked in summer-days
-if fasting and if not:
- "Ramadhan is month of save for poor
-check conscious to be good; pass the test.
-be careful of tongue, eyes,
-don't insult, do not fall for the lust…
-watch yourself, control as if you
-are police of yourself…no one else."

We heard of dad's helping
- (when he died and was gone)
-he used to take food, gift package
-for widows and orphans

He never showed his face
-set package at the door
-rang the bell
-knocked the door
-and was gone before they…
-opened door to find out

"Mom come see…I have gift! "

Where has that Islam gone?
-love to be a Muslim
-if Islam is father's

My daddy was great
-he was a role-model