The Struggle of the Patient

Life is an unpaved road
intimidating
and enormous like an elephant
and I am
wandering in it with invisible crutches
under my jaded branches

One crutch is scintillating,
a shaft of
inexhaustible hope --
Patience
‎إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِين
َ (Indeed, God is with those who are patient.)

And what am I
if not a blob of congealed blood
refusing to whine about my
trials?

The other crutch is profound,
a rod too arduous
to clench --
Gratitude
‎فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَان
ِ (So which of the favours of your Lord will you deny?)

And what am I
if not a boulder instead of a heart
refusing to count my myriad of blessings?

I have learned
while perusing the books of knowledge
by righteous luminaries:

Being patient
cannot be likened
to being grateful

For I have survived
hurricanes of ailments
without grumbling

Yet failed to acknowledge
other gifts bestowed upon me
at that tumultuous time

This conscientious soul
desperately
awaits a morning

when this timid beauty
can hold
both the crutches

with a wide smile
like a jewel
on her visage
and sweetly whisper,
‎" الحمد لله على كل حال "
(All praise and thanks are only for God in all circumstances.)