Nazrana

Devotional poetry is a lightning rod for those who seek and struggle along the path of faith. In Muslim esoteric traditions, poetry has a central role in practice and piety; it is the direct line to the beloved. Growing up as a refugee in 1970's in Canada, a Khoja Ismaili Muslim from East Africa, rooted in Indian culture, I was taught mystical devotional poetry called Ginans. I was touched by their beauty, their rhythm and their power, but I knew something was missing for me, they did not speak directly to me in the language of my thoughts, English. Writing poetry became my diary and an intellectual and spiritual conversation. In all traditions, devotional poetry is offered without the demands of recognition or acceptance. The true lover wishes only to mark oneself, and to raise a sign for the beloved: "I am here and I burn." This is my sign.