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

Psalm 18

 -1-

Fear which gathered,

To separate our paths,

I shall surely overcome,

Whilst my wings

Are words of your law.

I defy death

In the shadow of fear

Lest I lose, the grace of your love.

-2-

My poems..

A flash of radiance,

Not to burn,

But illuminate the universe,

With the fragrance of your incense.

You perfumed them,

And with compatible colours

Painted them.

I longed to visit you

In my thoughts,

You..

Who are immortal.

-3-

I am sick of deaf looks,

Of antipathetic malice,

Of lies which erected a throne,

Consisting of venomous saliva,

Tongues which lay their foundation,

And their threats

Which spurt poison.

-4-

I fear not to whom I declare my love,

And preach his enlightening words,

For my faith is strengthened

By the unity of heavenly religions,

And the oneness of God,

Who through piety

Made us all equal.

-5-

Death is a story

You experienced before me

Oh Ali..

And forgave the murderer.

In my mind,

I implanted your wounds,

And lit torches

From the letters of your story.

I feared not whoever

Advocated my death,

As much as an ignorant

Who debased your thoughts.

**