When the Trees Dance
Amongst the many poems spoken, my favorite from the night was one by Tafsheen Jathol, who goes by the name Makeda, part of which reads:
“..There’s this dance I’ve seen the trees do in the morning when they think nobody is watching
And I want to ask them why, but I’m scared if I do they might see me and stop
So I’ve convinced myself, unspoken arguments stem from unspoken reasons
They dance for no reason but in the season they live
They dance because they can, because every morning is like a baptize
They dance because again today they’ve lived to see the sunrise
From behind their darkness from their morning warmth
Below their sorry when the morning is cold
They dance in strength of weakness with every day that they grow old
Maybe they know that I am watching, maybe they dance because I am
Perhaps they wish for me to learn a thing or two
Maybe this is the part that I realize a song can only kill you if you are not dancing too.”
My Beloved
Many of the poems had spiritual themes. The extract below by ConsciousRhymes speaks about passion towards Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“So I write this letter in order to better my relationship with my Beloved
Dear Beloved, though I have not seen, I envision you as a beam of gleaming moonlight
Your shine does not blind, you are not too bright, just right crystal clear, pristine
Dressed in all white, I pray all night, for a dream or a glimpse of your aura
Your flora that blossoms with your beauty I am in awe of
And it’s brought up in pure admiration
For the best of all creation
A mercy to this nation
Muhammad, my prophet, my Beloved,
Towards your path, I haste while maintaining patience and hope that
One day, I raise to your station in heaven,
Holding hands with the best of all creation
Peace be upon you.”
Changing Formats
By running on time, finishing at a sensible time, and doing something different, the Embrace Muslim Forum has brought much-needed change and innovation to the plethora of events run by professional Muslim networks. While many of the subjects they talk about are important, they can become far too heavy and far too serious when part of the human condition seeks rest, entertainment, and comfort.
Tongue-in-cheek, with his last few words, perhaps inspired by the performers on the evening, Shoaib took the microphone and also shared some words: “Roses are red, violets are blue, guess what, I’m here in Barclays blue!”
Closing the event, host Shoaib said, “Thank you so much, it’s been a wonderful evening. This, tonight, showcases something different. What I really wanted is for you guys to support us. The Embrace Muslim Forum is open to all colors, all faiths, anybody – you’re all welcome to come to our events.”