Wandering Infidel

Samed: steadfastness. 

As I turn to write of my woes,
the paper is infinitely still,
the pen is but a flame.
--after Amir Khusrau.

No stay, no stop,
Like any top
Whirling with swiftest speed, I sleep.
--Dowden.

Turn, turn, Qalb. Do not ask why my heart sighs.

Thy firmness makes my circle just
And makes me end where I begun.
--Donne.

Stone, tree wind.
Stone, tree, wind
Star.
Stone, tree, wind.
Stone, tree, wind
Heart.

Summon me and I will tell you of loss and the history of loss that is my land and no-man's land. No good will come of it.

Where are you from, she asked. And I said, originally?

No, stay, no,..
I see it now, briefly, the swiftly passing world. Time on my hands, my face darkened, I look like everyone else. A thousand years ago she held my inner wrist and said, "you have a strong heart." I nearly fainted. A wandering infidel, I say to myself, or was I the only believer?