Mosque Hamda Abdi

The mosque is the happiest place to be. It’s where we talk to God without being sacred or ashamed. It’s where we are safe from enemies From sin. It’s where we forget life’s problems. It’s everyone’s home. The mosque, It’s the happiest place. Where lovers pray for each other Where children play Where parents are praised Where stories are told and mystery is hidden. No hate is allowed here, but Everyone is welcome. Here is where every mother is your mother Every sister is your sister Brothers play ball in the back While parents are proud. Here is where you meet beautiful reciters Reciting the Quran. Here is where you save yourself from sin. In here love wins It spins around you. We’ll see the love. Look around Do you see it? You will find all skin colors here White, black, blue. Here is where peace lays. Here you will hear the names of the most wise men, names like

Jesus Noah Joseph. Here is where I call home. It’s sweet like foam

Older than Rome. You will never be alone here. You will find your own zone While it’s known The tone of the imam Will calm your soul. You will feel in control. But it’s fair to say, I haven’t seen my zone Since COVID Can’t find the comfort. How am I supposed interpret? It’s a place where everyone smiles! Everyone helps each other with their trial While running their mile. Here’s where in prayer we stand in a line! Here’s where we shine in the eyes of our lord; he’s closer to us than our jugular veins. Here is where we pray for the dead And praise the elderly. Here is where youth are saved from the streets. The mosque is the most misunderstood place. Stereotypes became its synonym. But I have seen photographers get on their knees to capture an angle And painters lay on their back to complete a canvas And I love getting on one knee With a ring and heart in hand. So why is it strange to you when I fall into prostration in range? I’m not a lover Or a believer.

Hamda Abdi, Grade 12 South Senior High School, Minneapolis Teaching Artist, SEE MORE PERSPECTIVE