Dream of Unity

Dream of Unity   (to Mufti Ismail Menk)

By Nassefh Macla

When grenades rumbled at Lanao forests,

I thought the dream would remain a dream

In slumbers during nights of sweat and pain.

The nights when more eyes were rather awake, 

Peeking at open windows, than asleep and calm.

Now those eyes are fixed onto you, sparkling

Like dews over leaves do when the sun rises.

And I am the eagle observing everything.

In this place where a Maranao sits with a Tausug, 

Where a Kaagan shakes the hand of an Iranun,

Where a Maguindanao smiles at a Sama,

Listening to the war stories of their umpos.

They all listen to you, minds are refreshed

About the holiness of Ramadhan, the month 

Where blessings rain. And though they 

Already knew, they still look like kids 

Listening to the war stories of their umpos.

My bapa heals his wounds, from shrapnel  

And loss. Soon, his gashes will become  scars,  

Dusts on skins will be wiped off, and he will make  

His way back to us, flashing the smile of relief.

You may not meet him here yet in Jannah,

We shall all be united. And we will keep 

Dreaming of unity until we get there. #