IN PRAISE OF ALI is one of Charbel Baini's books translated by from Arabic by Naji Mourad, Joseph G. Yamouni, Elias Shaanin

Psalm 11

-1-

The red sin,

Camouflaged in the lust

Of  Lucifer’s eyes.

Claimed me a victim,

Many times,

For it knew I am only human.

-2-

I cannot deter my lust,

Nor alter destiny,

My roads are distant

And my life…

Sins pursuing sins.

-3-

I kneel in prayer,

Till my saliva dries,

Thereafter,

I kill families,

Whose blood fills my jug

With money,

Inebriated upon my hands.

-4-

A human..

Scarring my life,

Causing suffering.

Oh Ali..

Save me,

End my suffering.

Who else but you is able?

-5-

Through knowledge..

Grant me perfection

And also through my faith

Name me “Hussein”

To enlighten my mind

And achieve martyrdom,

Irrespective where!!

-6-

Were the days of Karbala

To be repeated,

They would witness my martyrdom.

I’d collect its soil..

With my eyelashes.

Like incense..

To protect my children.

-7-

Karbala..

The land of paradise,

Consecrated by Hussein’s blood.

Expose it from within me,

I yearn for it.

And in me,

Unite those who died.

-8-

I do not wish to sin

And suffer.

I seek purification

By your words

And politeness,

To experience your days.

**