One fine, glorious day,
When the friendly sun was oozing its warmth,
A large-beaked, black-velvety crow
Eyed hungrily for some food.

Its beady eyes roamed the great forest,
Green and lush as could be,
But in varying shades, light and dark,
Until it stopped on a sizeable chunk of bread.

The kingly crow lifted its wings
And flew gracefully but nimbly to the bread.
It landed softly and began its feast.
But this precious moment was just that.

A set of noisy wings flapped down in front.
The crow, annoyed, saw an awkward pigeon staring at his food.
This is My territory, he thought.
The pigeon, unafraid, edged forwards
As if desiring some bread.

Acting quickly, on which he prided himself,
The crow caught the bread in his sharp beak,
Immediately flew to a nearby tree.
This bread is meant for me, only, he mused.
He placed it carefully on a branch,
Ready to take a mouthful,
But a clever squirrel plunged for it
And ran for his life, out of sight.

Prophet Muhammad said: “The reality of faith is knowing that what has passed you by was not going to befall you; and that what has befallen you was not going to pass you by.” (Tabarani).

Umm Hafsah © 2018