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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE PRAYER by CLINTON SCOLLARD

First Line: THE SLENDER LEAVES OF THE ACACIA TREES
Last Line: AND LAID HIS UNVOICED GRIEF ON ALLAH'S HEART.
Subject(s): DESERTS; FOOD & EATING; HEAT; MERCY; PRAYER;

THE slender leaves of the acacia trees
Hung parched and quivering in the desert breeze.

Straight westward, as a starving rook might fly,
One pyramid's dark apex cut the sky;

While sharp against the sapphire east were set
Resplendent dome and soaring minaret.

Beside the way, upon his prayer-mat prone,
A turbaned suppliant made his plaint alone.

The hot sun smote upon his humbled head;
"@3Allah, have pity!@1" -- this was all he said.

His faltering tongue forgot the accustomed art,
And laid his unvoiced grief on Allah's heart.



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