I used to trust the shield
I’d create around me
As she told me
سلام و قول من رب رحيم
I told myself those words
Over and over
As I passed a terrorist stop
As I passed the bombed car
As I closed my eyes to sleep
…
But now I’m safe
Away from it all
And I say those words again
Salamun wa qaulun min rabin raheem
“Peace from a merciful God”
And I hope to rest
Forgetting what I can not forget
Stranger Paths 