I Read The News
I have read a news story
about a son, whom the parents wanted to see
as a sage and a symbol of national pride,
but suddenly he was killed in a road tragedy
on his graduation day
I have read a news story
about a local dignitary,
who fainted on a tennis court
after exploding into laughter
while playing with friends
Alas, he still had to finish
the first set of the game
I have read a news story
about the hero of a family,
who was also a public idol of the day.
But in a starred hotel one day,
he died on his mistress's belly
en route to the nirvana, presumably
I have read a news story
about a brilliant thinker,
whom his followers worshiped
for his prodigy.
But suddenly he collapsed and passed away
before he could elaborate
on his new creativity
I have read a news story
about a popular superstar
whom his fans cared to love.
But he was killed by a deadly virus
which he had spread here and there
I have read a news story
about a leader, whom his followers
had just made president-for-life
He was later ousted by his own children
who had cursed him too often
I have read a news story
about a despotic emperor
who had never felt surfeited by power
He became a victim of his own iron hand
which he had used to clobber his own men
I have read a news story
about a president, who planned to stay
in power until his last breath
but was driven out by his citizens
and lived in exile until his death
I have read a news story
about a first lady
who kept thousands of pairs of shoes at the palace.
But when her husband was kicked out of the country
she didn't have enough time to take them away
I have read a news story
about a beautiful country
which was busy counting its income
from incoming tourists
when suddenly a civil war erupted
to break the country into pieces
I have read a news story
about a rich nation
who was so proud of its good fortune
until one day its neighbor came down
to plunder everything it owned
I have read a news story
about a mighty superpower
who was also a self-style world leader
while it was busy exporting its ideology
its national cohesion broke away,
and nobody managed to restore the unity
I have read a news story
about a people who believe
their origin is buried in mystery
but were very proud of their fantasy
that even without power, they felt secure.
But one day, in the country
which is not their own,
they were all crushed.
Just before this an idea struck their mind
that there is God that can nullify their existence
I have read a news story
about a nation too arrogant
for its crimes against God Almighty
But later found themselves perished
by its own frailty.
I still expect to read news about a man
who is proud of his own narrow-mindedness
I have read an old story
about a saint, who always kept
his body and soul clean and pure.
Every time he was dirtied he soon cleaned himself
because he did not want to die unwashed.
Once upon a time he was dirtied
but he soon wiped himself with dust
(according to religious guidance)
although a few steps away there was a river
When witnesses told him there was a stream
he soon replied: "Can you guarantee
that I would still be alive
before reaching the water?"
I really want to read fresh news
about modern people, who sincerely
carry out their duty
as guardians of this planet
while remaining humble at heart.
-- A. Mustofa Bisri
(Translated from Tadarus by TIS)
The Sunday Post occasionally prints poems in addition to its regular short stories. Today we present a poem of a Moslem ulema who is also an expert on Islamic law.
-- Editor