By Ibrahim Hussain
A silent giant in the middle of plains,
Stands high and tall, with a majestic display.
With a side of green and a side of clay,
I wonder what the mountain has to say.
"Have you heard the ancient tales-
Of how on me, kings laid their claims,
To protect their kingdoms from foes and their slayings?"
I wonder if that is what the mountain has to say.
"In me, a myriad of God's creatures stay,
Obscured from the world, they live in gay-
In shrubs and trees, in the breeze they sway."
I wonder if that is what the mountain has to say.
"As men roam about, their heads turn in amaze,
'How huge!' and 'How old must it be!' they daze.
'It's a breathtaking view from the summit!' those who traversed me praise."
I wonder if that is what the mountain has to say.
"A retreat for the one who seeks joy and play,
A place of solace for the one drowned in pain-
With something for everyone, whether old or a babe."
I wonder if that is what the mountain has to say.
"And to the distressed especially, I proclaim:
Trust me on what I have to say-
Petty are most of your problems, destined to soon fade away.
A spoon of honey and a spoon of ginger—life’s always been this way."
I wonder if that is what the mountain has to say.
"Does it ever move?" a little one surveys.
"No, my child, forever this way shall I remain,
For my Creator crafted me this way,
Till an appointed time and day."
I wonder if that is what the mountain has to say.
I do hope the mountain once relays
Recounting its stories of bygones and today-
As I would love to hear what it really wants to convey.
For now, all I can do is wonder what the mountain has to say.