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Still Praying

by Hasan Namir

                                                                          
Growing up I dreamt I could pray           
                                              الله اكبر الله اكبر                                       

like other 
kids                                                                           

With straight 
         legs, knees I could bend   
                                           اشهد ان لا اله الا الله                                                                                                                      
                
Away from eyes leering at feet 
dragged
to the mosque dreading laughter                                     
                                         اشهد ان محمد رسول الله                                  

Imam’s maim of a chair, politely declined              
                                                حي علي الصلاة                                    

                                                                               

Today, awake,
I find my feet
I pray to Allah
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
alone, in stillness
Photo Courtesy of Roger Camp
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