The Lap of Love is holier than the Martyr-field or the prayer-mat, or so claims Mujeeb Jaihoon
Beautiful lives are well-begun
Successful ones but end love-spun
What may be the way finest—
For soul to depart world next?
To jump from the suicidal mount?
Or to shatter into pieces from accident?
To lose breath under the seabed?
Or be consumed by the fire-liquid?
To throw oneself on the battlefield
And lie there painted in heroic blood?
Where in the world may be best—
To conclude for the final rest?
Lord but chose a splendid place other
For Beloved to welcome the soul-taker
In the lap of as-Siddiqa was his breath last
He departed touched by her love-warmth
The Lap of Love is holier
Than the Martyr-field or the prayer-mat
Death be the sweetest—
If you may die on her lap.
Published October 17 2018