Poem by A.Q. Alidost 

With His Name, the Most High

From the depth of dark land

The only weapon that I have

The only hope that I have

The only path, the only wealth

The only door, the only shield

This article appeared in my local newspaper in the op/ed section May 2007.

Starting in the 6^th century and continuing for approximately 900 years, a society existed like no other. Peoples of varying ethnicities and religious persuasions lived side by side complementing one another and seeking the means to live in harmony.  They were masons and landscapers, craftsmen and tailors, financiers and accountants.  The coalescence of their skills culminated in a system that produced an agricultural system envied by all of Europe.  Architectural marvels exist today as a testimony to the sheer genius of their craft.  The beauty of living without fear of ones neighbor was commonplace and has not been reproduced since its demise.  This was Andalus and the citizens were Muslim, Jewish and Christian. 

ALLAH the lord of all...
He is so powerful
so beautiful
so mighty
that our eyes are notworthy
to see him

He who created the sun

And caused the stars to shine

And makes the Earth revolve

Also made you mine.

Al-hum-du-lil-lah, Al-hum-du-lil-lah

He who gave the wolf his howl

And gave the crow his cry

And gave mankind his speech

Gave me Camelia's lullabye.

Al-hum-du-lil-lah,Al-hum-du-lil-lah

So have lovely dreams,my sweet

Snuggle down and close your eyes

For your soul Allah shall keep

'Til it's time to rise and shine.

Al-hum-du-lil-lah,Al-hum-du-lil-lah