The Prophet Mohammed

(salat Allah 'aleh we-salaam)

Cut away the corner of his cloak

So that his cat, most elegant of beasts,

Might sleep undisturbed.

 

Yet I and my kind,

Winged messengers of Spring

Travelling in that same desert

May find no rest in the Prophet's footprints.

 

For we are your prey,

O Man,

You murder our kind with your metal hands

And take your pleasure

In watering the desert with our blood.

 

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful,

Be kind to us

Your brother Swallow.

 

(On reports that Arab soldiers were shooting Swallows for sport; sent to the Embassy in Dublin. Orders were given shortly after to stop using birds for target practise)

 

 

(Copyright Janet Farrar; 1984)