I wake from an early maghrib slumber
and a ping pong, pinball itch greets me,
bouncing all around my head and hands,
face and chest, neck and fingers, following
me down for dinner and begging me to
take it to the basement to be scratched like
an orphaned pup needing love and cuddling.

So I go and blast the hair dryer on my wrists
and back, and after getting its fill it quells,
and my father calls me up for isha. I'd much
rather care for a cat or rabbit, or even a cackling
kit fox, but I honestly can't complain.

A cozy roof and mom-cooked food and a not-
too-needy itch is a heck of deal. Life gets
better and it will get worse, but what I have
now is pretty darn sweet. Alhamdulillah,
before and after, always.

و الحمد لله أولا و آخرا




© Walyullah