There's an Arab proverb
my mom always recites
or is it a verse from the Quran?
fix your eyes' gaze into God's eyes
meant to inspire
to reaffirm your faith, when it all goes to ****
for sake of arguing, I silently nod
thinking how tired my neck is
from staring up at that sky
she constantly prays for us
arms outstretched, palms facing the heavens
her faith unwavering
even when her prayers are left unanswered
i used to believe that salvation was around the corner
as a younger me sharing my prayers
certain that the world grew quiet
as if hushed by Him just to hear my words
it felt real, i felt heard, i felt relief
they say God only troubles those he loves
if it is to test my faith, then I have failed
there's a defiance that lives in my heart
fueled by anger of abandonment, of regret
pained by His disregard
i don't try to fix what has been broken