Gallows March

All praise is due to Allah who can elevate one's status to the highest of heights or drop one soul down to the lowest of depths between the earth's core. Today is the first day that I shed a tear for Saddam, about whom I had mixed feelings. As a dictator he did commit horrible crimes. But then I ask myself, why isn't Bush being dragged to the gallows? Or Reagan for that matter? And then I witnessed the video on the news last night. Saddam marched stalwart to his death testifying to his belief in Allah (swt). Allah in his infinite mercy gave dignity back to Saddam. He did not die, as Reagan did, slobbing all over himself and unable to remember his own name.

Allah can forgive anyone. For those who are quick to dispel Saddam, I just caution you to take the attitude of African Americans of the old days. Whatever the "slave master" liked, they liked the opposite. I was watching Anderson Cooper the night before the execution and the reporters and experts were gloating as they described the horrors of snapping Saddam's neck. I was so disgusted that I was forced to change the channel. And then this video taken by a secret camera, reveals that Saddam was reciting shahadatain as he was cursed by his executioners. Saddam this one is for you:

Frame the reflection of

pain, hurt, dismay.

The wall encases the mirror

that our backs are up against

Humiliated by the wrongs we commit

we refuse to face the untruth

Tears and prayer cuddle in a warm embrace.

continuing to ease the inner soul

And the exterior face grimaces

as our finger points at our executioner

You see me don't you?

I recognize your hand and reach out

to take it as you continue passing the buck

Realize that responsibility has a bed.

It curls between sheets of fabrications and mudslinging

Our wombs give birth to the degradation of our own

enslavement and colonization

Look at the reflection.

Challenge the inner self to stand upright.

Dear Lord,

Change me and those with whom I break bread.

Nur is everlasting light.

Within it is a miracle and a rebirth

The embryo is small and fragile

It develops into belief.

We must continue to hope and dream.

The idealist in us reigns supreme over

our sour faced reflections.

Our hearts hold deep within them

a prayer for unity and freedom that

will be recited until the day when we are raised.

Say it with Me:

Allah is one.

Glory be to Him.

He has the power to change all things.

Save us from the punishment of the fire

Bring us Ease in Hardship.

Unite us Oh Lord,

Unite Us,

Ameen.

May the Peace, Blessing, And Mercy of Allah be with Us all,

Aaminah