162 B.E.    

>CREATIVITY>The Approach
THE APPROACH

The world around me disappears
Though at first I am unaware
No chance to say goodbye
Or I'll see you another time

As the gate squeaks open
And stones crunch beneath my feet
Every other sound fades away
As my ears and serenity meet

With the most gradual steps I move onward
My eyes fascinated by the vibrant colours
So full and vivid
Displacing every recollection of the dust and sands
And arid lands that had before so preoccupied me

My chest fills out
Like the vibrant breast of the nightingale
That warbles the most melodious tunes
Amongst the branches and rustling leaves
Of the ancient olive trees
As my lungs inhale the air
So clean and so sweet

My senses are so uplifted
I can feel my arms rising to the heavens
As though like an eagle I might soar
Victorious!
Above this spectacular mount

But I am yet to behold the still greater force
That like the angels voice beckons me forth
My head is raised through some unknown will
And my eyes set gaze upon the mausoleum
That enshrines those most precious and ascended Souls
The Herald and the Master

I am overcome with humility and lowliness
Overshadowed by the tall and thin cypress trees
That can do little to hide the reflection of light
That burns so bright upon the gold leaved dome

A path of stairs and turns still lies before me
But my footsteps are forgotten
It is as though I glide an inch above the surface
As I approach the majestic tomb
Upheld by mighty granite columns
And paved with glistening marble slabs

I take off my shoes knowing soon how close I will be
To yet another realm that no hand can feel or eye can see
Clasping a book of divine words between my fingers
I creep slowly and silently through the heavy white door
Careful not to disturb that so utter peace that I know lies therein
Delicately interwoven carpets adorn the chamber of prayer
A symbol of the Eastern culture from whence my Faith had come

Closer I draw to the Blessed Threshold
Emboldened by beautiful ornaments and fresh flowers
Emblazoned by a golden sun that bears the Greatest Name
Accentuated by a very particular intensity of light
And obscured only by the most intricate veil
That seems no more than tiny raindrops suspended in mid-air

Two worlds before me I had already left in my wake
And yet another did I await
I kneel down
Closing my eyes as my body arches towards the goal of its journey
Infinite thoughts and memories rush through my mind
As I strive to focus clearly

My temple sets down upon the threshold
I ponder for a few seconds
My material existence begins to dissolve away
As I repeat Allah'u'abha, Allah'u'abha, Allah'u'abha…
But my voice is not heard by the mortal ear
Because in this world you will find only my soul there.

Written by Vincent Afnán-Murray