Síyáh Chál
Down the steep and endless stair
Into the black and stench-filled air
The moans and cries that reach the ear
Instill far more than simple fear
But on this Face, one finds no tear
“Suffering for God” this One holds dear
Stripped and starved, no clothes to wear
Galled by chains too great to bear
In filth and vermin, devoid of cheer
To His companions these chains adhere
None are expected to last long in here
To the Abhá Kingdom, all are near
What hast Thou done? No charge is there
But it's His influence they seek to impair
Calumny and cavilings of the insincere
The guards did torture, mock and jeer
Inflicted torments that were most severe
With heads raised up on bloodied spear
Their bodies dragged through city square
It is for death that they all prepare
But lest their sufferings evoke despair
He shall respite them with a prayer
“God is sufficient” sounds loud and clear
In ringing tones the Shah can hear
Joy in Hell doth seem so queer
But they are the inmates of another sphere
One night on every side we hear
Rendered victorious if Thou persevere
By Thyself and pen—a mighty pair
Hearts revived, for those aware
Behold, a maiden, radiant and fair
Suspended before Him in the air
She points and beckons God's new heir
“Best-Beloved of the worlds” she doth declare
A new creation did then appear
In history God did interfere
The world became a new frontier
To be conquered by those with hearts sincere
Lift from your eyes the veil so sheer
After Hín, in this blessed year
Arises the One beyond all peer!
June 2003
©2003 Darren B. Hiebert