Afore the Break of Dawn

Ali Ashhar


a divine call invites—

Haiya Alas Salah

I answer

I purify the body

to call upon

Dhul Jalali Wal Ikram—

the possessor of glory and honour

I yearn to rinse

the sinner’s soul

I stand up in front of the

Lord of the world

in his name—

the most beneficent

the most merciful

I bow down

our Lord, to be your praise

heart elevates

I prostate

glory be to my Lord, the most high

sins fall apart low

and soul personifies high—

Haiya Alal Falah.


Ali Ashhar is a poet, short story writer and columnist from Jaunpur, India. Mirror of Emotions is his debut poetry collection that was released internationally. His works appear in Indian Review, Indian Periodical, The Raven Review, among others.

*

Next: