Remembering Mama

Remembering Mama

My mind is tranquil
as I contemplate a verse
from,
my Mother's copy,
of The Hidden Words.

"O SON OF SPIRIT!
My first counsel is this: Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting."

Baha'u'llah12

Was this Mama"s favorite scripture?
It is highlighted in scarlet--
her favorite color.

I close my eyes and meditate
on radiant:
Mama always had a radiant smile
when we attended
a Nineteen-Day Feast
or Holy Day celebration.

As I meditate
other memories come back,
and one
especially stands out.

It occurred
when Mom had her cataract surgery.

I walked beside the wheelchair,
as the nurse
rolled Mama out to the car:
"She's singing!"
The nurse said.

I smiled
because Mom was chanting
“Alláh-u-Abhá.”3

Poet's Note: ▼

Line Count: 28
Form: Free Verse
Written for Annette in France 's Challenge

Footnotes
1  The Hidden Words, Part One: From the Arabic, Number 1
2  https://www.bahai.org/r/381340052
3  “God the All-Glorious.”