Ghazal: “You Belong Here” – in honor of Mistress Jadi Fatima

On the day you were born and your cries rang out clear
Your family stood round and said “you belong here.”

As a child you were quick with a question and quip;
Every book that you opened read “you belong here.”

Before long you were dancing with fire in your feet
And your heart soon informed your head: “you belong here.”

Though your birthplace burned bright in the hearth of your heart
The wide world called with arms outspread, “you belong here.”

A journey of many long miles in the west
Taught you anywhere your feet led, you belong here.

Your beloved you found in the wild lands beyond
And you knew on the day you wed, you belong here.

You returned to your home both to teach and to serve
Knowing with every homeward tread, you belong here.

Now the people have spoken and asked you to lead
And with bright pearls upon your head, you belong here.

This is a ghazal written for the occasion of Mistress Jadi Fatima al-Ishfahani al-Samarkandiyya’s investiture as Baroness of the South Downs, September 18, 2010.

Updated: February 27, 2013 — 9:51 am