Heritage of Martyrs

By Waheeda Bi Khan

I am free We are living

Soaring skies over Zion

Feasting, frolicking, flocking

O lord, Glory be to you

For creating the feathered kind.

I build nests; we breed the clan

On trees and among coastal crags 

Our abodes of heritage

Among the lush lands of culture

Breeding flocking prospering

O lord, Glory be to you

For blessing sustenance in peace.

I am confused; we are shocked

 New-feathered flocks, descending

Shooed away from other lands

'Make space and share',

Say the imperial council

Smiling, welcoming, granting

O lord, Glory be to you

For guiding the virtuous way.

I am homeless; we are displaced

 Nests snatched or usurped

No escape in flaming skies

Ancestral abodes among olives, chopped

Smashing, burning, hacking

O lord, Glory be to you

For martyrdom in faith.

I am caged; we are besieged

By feathered-brethren, yet

Vulturous predators of lands and

Nestlings - accused, starved or massacred

Clipping wings of native flocks

Stalking, looting, shooting

O lord, Glory be to you

For lighting the paths to heaven.

I march for liberty; we survive in hope

Of safe havens and un-blazing skies

Seeking justice for plundered dignity,

For confiscated identities,

And right to existence

Wailing, perishing, praising

O lord, Glory be to you

To summon your dearest harvest into heaven. 

O lord, Glory be to you.

Do bless a glimpse of your might

To remind the heartless-mighty-maniacs

History has an uncanny way of repeating itself.

By Waheeda Bi Khan