Pirani Ameena Begum Ora Ray Baker

Naught do I see but Thee

2008-09-24T08:53:00.000+02:00

Alone, alone at the early dawn

In Springtime with its blossoms wan

Thy glory do I gaze upon,

And naught do I see but Thee.

Alone, alone 'neath the shady trees

Midst Summers warmth I feel thy breeze,

Alas' I fall upon my knees,

And naught I see but Thee.

Alone, alone, thro' the fallen leaves

That Autumn scatters and interweaves

I trod the path, sweet memory grieves,

And naught I see but Thee.

Alone, alone in the pure white snow

As the wintry winds around me blow

Firmly I stand, yet seeking to know,

And naught I see but Thee.

This Wee Book

2008-09-06T14:19:00.000+02:00

Each thought and word and line and verse,

This wee book doth contain,

Burst from this bleeding heart, I nurse,

In lonliness and pain.

Midst the blood gushing forth, I heard

Thou sayeth, take the pen,

And my hand, Thou guideth onward,

To the end, Lord, Amen.

The Gayan

2008-09-06T14:17:00.001+02:00

O Gayan, Thou my treasured gem,

I bow to Thy command,

Thou art the highest apothegm,

E'er found on sea or land.

Thou, inspiration, dost bestow,

And deep, Thy melody,

A haunting sweetness dost Thou show,

With Thy pathetic plea.

The Vadan

2008-09-06T14:15:00.001+02:00

O Vadan, Thou art my favorite,

A message sent from above,

I carry Thee as an amulet,

Brought by the heavenly dove.

I lay Thee gently on the altar,

My worship, to Thee, bequeathe,

Yea, I take Thee to my sepulchre,

Forever, Thy word, I breathe.

The Mysticism of Sound

2008-09-06T14:13:00.001+02:00

The Mysticism of Sound

Is a study most profound;

In it's depth the Truth is found,

O ye Seekers.

Tarry not in idle play

But prepare ye for the day

Whence departeth soul from clay,

O ye Seekers.

Soar then upward to that Light,

All pervading, ever bright

Purified, in love, unite,

O ye Seekers.

Bowl of Saki

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O Bowl of Saki blest thou art,

A treasure from the divine,

Each day thou bringest to my heart

A token of love's pure wine.

From thee, I learn humility,

Selfless love and sacrifice,

And Lo! Thou givest me the key

To the gates of paradise.

Graduation Day

2008-09-06T14:09:00.003+02:00

Noor-un-nisa, your Father's pride,

Modes, gentle and qualified,

Graceful in manner, fair of face,

Worthiest daughter by Allah's grace,

Deep in thoughts and wise in speech.

Little comrades in school, you teach,

Today, first prize do you receive,

In music, highest to achieve,

'Tis He, who sent it from above,

To His child with His deepest love.

Amma

July 28th, 1927

Age 13 years

Abba's Children

2008-09-06T14:05:00.005+02:00

Hark! I hear my Beloved's call,

'Tis piercing thro' my ears,

Take me up to Thy land of all,

From life's long grieving years.

Precious Rubies born of our love,

Weep not; sorrow is past,

Allah is with us both above

Happy we are at last.

All parents must depart one day,

Children, your lives begin,

Love your mates, be happy and gay,

Your Father's 'Message' reign.

Friends

2008-09-06T14:03:00.003+02:00

O loving friends judge not my solitude,

Nor my silence ye not miscomprehend,

Forever are my living thoughts bestrewed,

Upon ye all with gratitude distend.

But hark! my pain, no remedy amends,

This little spark of life to 'Him' hath flown,

Then what is left of me to greet my friends?

Naught but deadened skin and withered bone.

Forevermore in spirit shall I dwell,

Amongst ye all, my loving friends of yore,

But body, heart and soul doth bid farewell,

Offering ye, these precious rubies four.

O Lord of Justice

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O Lord of Justice, these frail lips with iron, seal,

Pray let me not speak, Nay let me not reveal,

Lest the fury of the Gods burst in a hurricane,

That lifteth me up from this earthly blame and gain.

Harken

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Harken! O Angels of Heaven,

I beg ye each and all

Come hither with trumpets laden,

To help me in my call.

With challenging force together,

Blow ye all trumpets yon,

Call Him with sounds that mightier

N'er was in time agone!

Oft' Times

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Oft' times methinks it cannot be

That Thou shalt n'er return,

With heavy heart I wait for Thee,

And watch and pray and yearn.

If Thou shouldst come from the dead,

And Lo! thy form I meet,

N'er could I raise mine aching head,

From off Thy blessed feet.

Before this Frame is Fallen

2008-09-06T13:57:00.001+02:00

Before this frame is fallen

Wilt Thou give it strength to stand,

To carry duty's burden

Lord, that is Thine own command.

Before this heart is bleeding,

Wilt Thou nurse it with Thy love

Untill the hour Thou chooseth

Lord, to call me there above.

At the Close of the Day

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At the close of the day

When life's toil fades away

And all so peacefully sleep,

No rest do I find

Since Thou left me behind

'Till Death around me doth creep.

Bitter nights of despair

Hath made fragrant the air,

And Teardrops turned into dew,

I watch and I wait

Till Thou doth open the gate

And Thy love leadeth me thro'.

O Shining Sun

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O Shining Sun of heaven and earth,

Spread forth Thy brilliant rays,

In Thy home, there is no more mirth,

Gone are the happy days.

Help me to climb up the golden stairs,

To the height Thou mayst soar,

Wiping away all sorrows and cares,

To kiss Thy feet once more.

Mightier than Breakers

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Mightier than breakers of a stormy sea,

Dashing on the rocks 'till apieces be,

Why then cannot this, mine anguish for Thee

Break open these walls hiding Thee from me?

Little Birds

2008-09-06T13:46:00.002+02:00

Come! little birds at any widow

And feed from out my hand,

Mine envy oft' to you doth go.

Soaring o'er sea and land.

No pain to bear, nor care, nor woe

No chain to bind you tight,

Flying cheerfully to and fro,

In happy, playful flight.

But then again methinks it less

Than happiness I gain,

While this poor heart is in distress,

Wrapped in grief and pain.

When Thou wert near

2008-09-06T13:43:00.001+02:00

What need had I for the light of the day,

Or the moon in the night to lead the way,

O Beloved when Thou wert near?

What need had I for the summer's warmth,

Or the cooling breezes swaying forth,

O Beloved, when Thou wert near?

What need had I for a bright sunny morn,

Or the shining stars, the dark sky adorn,

O Beloved when Thou wert near.

What need had I for the showers of rain,

The fruits and the flower's Thou didst sustain

O Beloved when Thou wert near.

O' Beloved

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O' Beloved, I shudder and I shrink,

Dare I to speak, ah! dare I once to think

Of e'er again that only longed for bliss,

To fall upon the dust, Thy feet to kiss.

Dare I to weep, my tears would form a sea,

And in that sea, I'd drown in ecstasy,

O' Beloved, dare I to ask to die,

This soul released, instantly to Thee would'st fly.

Guiding Star

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Guiding Star of my life,

Where art Thou soaring?

Far from Thy earthly strife,

Thro' Heavens alluring!

How came Thee to depart

From Sharda, Thy love,

Didst Thou not know her heart,

O Heavenly Dove?

Come, hear her soul weeping,

For Thou who hast fled,

In despair she is seeking

Her grave with the dead.

O' Beloved

2008-09-06T13:36:00.003+02:00

O Beloved is my love so weak,

That it bringeth me not to Thee,

Then let me weep more and more each day,

Till by weeping, it strengthened be.

But then if it's strength be still too less,

And the fountain of tears run dry,

Tears of blood, let me weep, yea untill,

By weeping for Thee, I may die.

Answer to poem of 1921

2008-09-06T13:32:00.002+02:00

The honour of my virtues,

My heart and my soul,

The tolerance of my faults,

My 'Daya', my Goal.

Answer to poem of 1922

2008-09-06T13:30:00.002+02:00

Day by day and night by night

Every thing I see,

I feel Thy presence in it

And I think of Thee.

In every thing I may do,

Thy love guideth me,

When Thy gentle voice I hear,

I'm in ecstasy.

While the Holy Deity

Watcheth over all,

Eagerly I wait to hear

Thy whispering call.

Answer to poem of 1923

2008-09-06T13:28:00.002+02:00

The highest inspiration,

Beloved so true,

The only consolation,

My 'Daya', are you

If e'er there is a pleasure

Searched the world thro'

If e'er there is a treasure,

My 'Daya', 'tis you.

And now that life be over,

Naught care I to do,

but fly from earthly cover,

My 'Daya', to you.

Answer to poem of 1926

2008-09-06T13:26:00.002+02:00

O, purest heart e'er born,

Selfless and blameless,

May Allah's crown adorn

Thy head, most gracious.

Yes, we have suffered much,

but with love's sweet joy,

And soon with Allah's clutch,

All grief we'll destroy.

Life's difficult pilgrimage

Was play, with Thou near,

But now, strength and courage,

From me, disappear.

The Way of Illumination

2008-09-06T13:23:00.003+02:00

The way of illumination

Is the path that leads to God,

May ye seek that revelation

Forever this pathway trod.

And behold! the Light Eternal

When the end is drawing nigh,

It's rays spread forth upon ye all

As a crown to glorify.

Love, Human and Divine

2008-09-06T13:20:00.001+02:00

O, Love, human and divine

Thou, inspirer of my soul.

Thy tales of love unite me

With the object of my goal.

Thou didst descend from heaven

To illuminate the way

For earthly souls that stumbled

In the dark and went astray.

The Inner Life

2008-09-06T13:15:00.002+02:00

The Inner Life is a journey divine

Passing scenes of wondrous beauty,

Where heavenly flowers and fruits outshine,

Sustained by the Light of unity.

And when e'er is reached the eternal goal,

Closed are the lips from explaining

The pure upliftment of the heart and soul,

Merged into Love, all pervading.

In an Eastern Rose Garden

2008-09-06T13:13:00.002+02:00

In an eastern rose garden full in bloom,

Privileged be the few that walketh there,

But to pluck the roses of sweet perfume

Is, from the heavens, an answered prayer.

O ye blinded souls seeking earthly gain,

A moment that lasteth and from ye flee,

Go to that garden in quest - and obtain

the one Divine gain of Eternity.

Pearls from the Ocean Unseen

2008-09-06T13:11:00.003+02:00

O Pearls from the ocean unseen

Priceless and beyond compare,

Long sought by many a marine

In earnest unceasing prayer.

Thro' the depths of the waters pure,

Various divers plunged to seek

Ye Pearls, untill at last secure

In the hands of Him, so meek.

And He giveth ye to the world

To enlighten some few souls,

With hearts waiting to be unfurled,

By the Message that consoles.

A Birthday in Despair (1927)

2008-09-06T13:08:00.003+02:00

O Beloved in all these fourteen years,

N'er did a birthday bring such bitter tears,

Without Thee or Thy poem from afar,

To heal my heart from wounds that leave their soar.

But now instead Thou sent Thy daughter fair,

At early morn, beneath my tangled hair

She lay a poem, as from Thee of yore,

A gift unearned, from Thy Jewels Four.

From this day on n'er could I conceive,

Of any birthday gift from friend receive,

For what is left to celebrate for me,

Since I am less than naught away from Thee?

Eighth Birthday

2008-09-06T13:06:00.004+02:00

June 3rd, 1927

Khairunnisa, so sweet and fair,

With hazel eyes and auburn hair,

Abba's in heaven this birthday,

But He will always lead your way,

He seems so far but He is near,

And to our hearts, is ever dear,

Yes, He will guide you from above,

Just with His magic wand of love,

To all around you sunshine give,

Blest by Abba, long may you live.

Amma

Noorunnisa

2008-09-06T13:02:00.003+02:00

A bud from the stem of Divinity

With petals eager to unfold

To the fullness of God's vast beauty,

A lovely Sufi rose foretold.

With a heart full of loving forgiveness

And mind from the highest abode,

An inspired soul of saintliness,

With talents lavishly bestowed.

Endowed with heavenly inheritance,

From a Father of rarest birth,

His arms surrounding you in guidance

Thro' many happy years on earth.

14th birthday

Jan 1st, 1928

Amma

Eleventh Birthday

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June 19th, 1927

Vilayat, your Father's eldest son

Eleven years old this day,

Continue the Message He has begun,

His image may you portray.

And may each new year disclose to you

More and more your privileged life,

Forget not, to Him, all praise is due,

He sacrificed all in strife.

He will ever guide you from above

Thro' all your tasks most arduous,

Inspiring you with His deepest love,

Long life be yours victorious.

Amma

Vilayat

2008-09-06T12:57:00.003+02:00

ELEVENTH BIRTHDAY

June-19th, 1927

One early morn, Allah sent down

A baby boy, Abba to crown,

Eleven years ago this day

Carried by a glittering ray,

But now Abba has flown above

And with His guiding hand of love,

He holds a torch, that you may see

The way that leads to purity.

What birthday gift more wonderful

Then Abba's chair most worshipful

Naught so high this world can give

Blest by Abba, long may you live.

Amma

Tenth Birthday

2008-09-06T09:28:00.003+02:00

August 6th, 1927

Hidayat, your worthy Father's son

Just ten years of age this day,

You with your brother, in unison

Will spread the 'Message', I pray.

Your sacred duty you will fulfil,

Value more precious than gold,

Your great heritage by Allah's will,

Son of a Father foretold.

May your life be showered with success,

All praise to Him, you'll give,

He sowed the seed for your happiness,

Long years of peace may you live.

Amma

In India

2008-09-06T09:25:00.003+02:00

Far across the seas to the land divine,

Where mystery reigns supreme,

God carrieth there each thought of mine,

And every wondrous dream.

Under the warm sun, in a golden tomb,

Resteth Thy beautiful form,

Midst the fragrant roses that round Thee bloom,

Sheltered from the wind and storm.

With unceasing peace for many an age,

O Holy one, Thou art blest,

Numberless souls to pay Thee homage,

And kneel at Thy feet to rest.

India

2008-09-06T09:23:00.002+02:00

India, knowest Thou, God hath blest

Thee with His diadem!

Ah, 'tis hidden far within Thy breast

From all who would contemn.

But to ye that seeketh Truth above

Disclosed is the hiding place,

Lo! it's sparkling rays bring light and love

To all, with God's own grace.

The Pilgrimage

2008-09-06T09:00:00.002+02:00

Ocean of love, O sympathetic sea,

To Thee do I bow in humility,

For Thine won compassion carrieth me,

To the land of my dreams, my life's safety.

O India, land of splendour divine,

Salutations flow from this heart of mine

Whil'st I enter Thy border of mosque and shrine,

And trod o'er this sacred soil of Thine.

Delhi, my Delhi, so richly inlaid

With a priceless jewel from God that strayed

To illuminate souls that have watched and prayed

aye o'er all mankind, its rays hath sprayed.

thro' scenes of wonder I roam at far, in quest,

speechless and breathless, of the world divest,

With eyes cast downward, I kneel to be blest

At the foot of the sweetest rose strewn nest.

Return from the Journey Pilgrimage

2008-09-06T08:56:00.003+02:00

Harken! the gong of duty's call, Alas,

The hour of farewell has come to pass,

But this heart is left buried 'neath the grass,

Nourished by fragrant soil, beyond surpass.

These eyes are dim with tears, this head bent low,

These lips refuse to utter thoughts that flow,

Thro' the silent air, sympathetic breezes blow,

And rays of light spread forth their brilliant glow.

A sacred bond awaits across the sea,

That dares to link this piece of clay with Thee,

O Thine own strength pour on a frail trustee,

That mouldeth a true and worthy devotee.

This life is pledged to every faithful friend,

Those selfless service to our Murshid lend,

Thence, in humbleness, their loving call, I tend,

Storing within, this yearning 'till the end.

Forevermore

2008-09-06T08:53:00.003+02:00

In India, land of my dreams,

Ah, where my heart's vision gleams,

May I be blest.

O, Death, come take me by my hand

And lead me to my loved one's land,

From life distressed.

Alas, for Thee, long years I weep,

O sing me peacefully to sleep,

Gently caressed.

Then lay me at Beloved's feet

And with the dust, my form secrete,

There let me rest.

I know not why

2008-09-06T08:50:00.002+02:00

I know not why this strength is in these bones,

Nor why beats this bleeding heart,

How doth this earthly form live through its groans,

Alas, since Thou didst depart!

'Tis a mistery hidden from my sight,

But Lo! with the tide of time

My fiery love, itself shall light

The candle of truth sublime.

O Lord, once more to see Thy face so sweet,

No sacrifice could I spare,

Just once to throw myself before Thy feet,

God of mercy grant my prayer.

If only dreams were true

2008-09-06T08:47:00.002+02:00

Again I'd run and leap in glee,

My Father eagerly watching me,

No sweeter joy could ever be,

If only dreams were true!

Again the golden lane we'd strole,

My fears and tears He would console,

An answered prayer to thrill my soul,

If only dreams were true!

Again those melodies, I'd sing,

My Father's voice accompanying,

Gladness in our home t'would bring,

If only dreams were true!

Again I'd sit down at His feet,

His ancient tales to fondly greet,

An earthly paradise complete,

If only dreams were true!

Oh! Envious World

2008-09-06T08:44:00.003+02:00

Oh, envious World, oft' Thou tried in vain

o tear asunder or to put in twain

Our love, which naught but Death can separate,

Nay, even Death is left disconsolate.

Despair

2008-09-06T08:42:00.002+02:00

This bleeding heart, forlorn,

Cruel fate hath tossed untill

In thousand fragments torn,

Is left to suffer still.

From this poor form entrapped,

All life, all hope hath gone,

Pale with Death's garment wrapped,

And yet must linger on...

Descend, Most Holy One,

And with Thy helping hand,

Pray, let all grief be shun,

And take me to Thy land.

Can this be true

2008-09-06T08:39:00.001+02:00

Can this be true or am I tossed by a snare

That findeth it's way from a dreaded nightmare,

A year passeth by without once a gleam

of my adored One, O heart of Love supreme,

Tell me, I pray, have I lived upon this earth,

Under these darkened clouds, weary of my birth;

Ah! Dare I to weep, wet tears refuse to fall,

I cannot speak: Aye my lips are closed to all.

O Death

2008-09-06T08:37:00.001+02:00

O Death, my comforter art Thou,

The healer of my wounds enow,

Thy yielding glance do I beseech

And for Thy soothing hand I reach.

I yearn for Thee, years pass me by,

Thou comest not, but from my cry

I hear an echo o'er the hill,

'A sacred duty first fulfil'.

My beloved Land

2008-09-06T08:35:00.002+02:00

Land of wonder, land of dream,

Noble and of high esteem,

Land where chosen jewels gleam,

Guarded by the God supreme.

Land of priceless ancient scroll,

Land of my despairing soul,

With Thy love, my grief condole,

Unto life's eternal goal.

If only I had wings

2008-09-06T08:32:00.002+02:00

O'er hill and dale and mountain peak

And o'er the seas, for Him I'd seek,

Thro' dazzling stars there would I sneak

If only I had wings.

Then upward through the turquoise sky,

Till the Gates of Paradise espy,

There thro' all wonders would I fly,

If only I had wings.

No time nor space e'er would I spare,

In search of Him, a Father rare,

No hardship could I not forbear,

If only I had wings.

The heavens far beyond I'd soar,

Seeking the One whom I adore,

At last I'd find Him as afore,

If only I had wings.

Struggle between beloved and duty

2008-09-06T08:29:00.003+02:00

Thou hast warned me of my duty,

Which I can't forget,

And Thou sayest, if I listen,

I shall not regret.

For duty's sake, hence I am bound

To this world of grief,

And n'er untill I go to Thee,

Shall I find relief.

Thou didst say when duty's done

I may follow Thee,

What a blessing, O Beloved,

When Thou callest me.

Oh! envious World

2008-09-06T08:28:00.003+02:00

Oh, envious World, oft' Thou tried in vain

To tear asunder or to put in twain

Our love, which naught but Death can separate,

Nay, even Death is left disconsolate.

O Beautiful Face

2008-09-06T08:25:00.001+02:00

O Beautiful Face

Beaming with light,

Whither hath it gone

How far it's flight?

N'r to return to

This grieving life

Where there is naught but

Sorrow and strife.

Come Back

2008-09-06T08:23:00.003+02:00

Come back to the soul that is dying

Without the warmth of Thy love,

Come back to the heart that is sighing

Beloved, for Thee above.

Come back to the eyes that are weeping

Blood-stained tears of despair,

Come back to the lips that are speaking

Only, Thy name in prayer.

What care I for these things

2008-09-06T08:13:00.002+02:00

Beloved, what care I for these things,

These gardens and palaces for kings!

'Tis true it were a rare and pleasant dream,

For Thou to share with me a life supreme.

Would that in a humble little hut,

Thou wert with me singing Thy gamut,

And I to wash Thy feet in acquiesce,

'Stead of a palace in my lonliness.

Oh! Happy Days

2008-09-06T08:12:00.003+02:00

Oh! Happy days of poverty,

Why didst Thou flee

Giving place to the treasure tree,

That bringeth misery?

Where art Thou

2008-09-06T07:59:00.000+02:00

Where art Thou, O where art Thou

Guiding Light of my world?

Dark shadows cross life's pathway

And by cruel winds I'm hurled.

In deepest seas I searched Thee,

I roamed to lands unknown,

I soared the highest heavens,

But still, bereft and lone.

Ah! when all hope had vanished

And no heed to my cries,

'T was then, Thy Light was shining

From out mine own dim eyes.