Simerg is an independent initiative dedicated to Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan — their Hereditary Imam — and the Ismaili Imamat, and Islam in general through literary readings, photo essays and artistic expressions
Ya Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini, Please accept my devoted allegiance, You possess the Nur, the light of Ali, For this there could be no greater credence.
And so it is with my greatest respect, My sincere trust, my genuine need, For your Blessed Sacred Guidance, I remain your loyal Murid.
I am moved by the powerful words, You embraced us with in your very first Farman, We were saddened by the loss of your father; It was dark, but you became the Dawn.
Your Light continues to guide us, Through your Love, Experience and Wisdom, This is the beauty of our faith as Ismailis, For we all know the origin where it is from.
I was in awe while watching the entire Takht-nishini, How seamlessly the ceremony took place. All the formalities were completed with insignia presented, And Behold there was your serene and loving face.
Ya Mawla, you have worked alongside your father For years and your wealth of experience is vast; The very moment you spoke your chosen words, Your Light and Truth was amassed.
When Mawlana Shah Karim passed away, All I could feel was tragic regret, And then Hazar Imam, you stepped in, And the stage for the world was set.
Salwaats will wash to you like waves from the shore, As you bless us with your Holy Noorani Deedar, I can barely contain my excitement and heart-filled joy, As I am certain you will travel near and far;
You will follow your father’s footsteps with pride, But with a vision and certainty that is all your own, For now you are Our Present Living Imam, And your unbroken Imamat is world known.
I take your guidance seriously, with all the specific areas you addressed, For it is with over 1400 years of such unbroken guidance From our Imams that we have all come to be our best.
I would not be in Canada if not by the vision of your father, And the love and wisdom he has shown, With the help of Pierre Trudeau, many Ismailis from East Africa, In the time of exodus came to know Canada as their home.
Millions and millions of Ismailis everywhere, Owe our lives to the Imams-of-the-Time who have passed, Their steadfast diligent service to us all, Are incredulous legacies that will surely last.
We offer our loyalty and commitment to you, Ya Hazar Imam, May Allah shower you with His Holy Grace, May you and the entire family be blessed With Good Health and may you never have setbacks to face.
The Nur shines through your eyes, Hazar Imam, You are a chosen fortress and blessing; GodSpeed, Nothing touches me more than how you said in your Farman To “come to you” in our time of need.
The global jamat will be begging for your time, I marvel at your glory, Spring is here, it is time for rebirth, So I bless your journey as you write our new story.
Ameen.
Date posted: March 21, 2025.
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Farah Tejani
About the author: Farah Tejani is a creative writer based in Vancouver. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English Literature and Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia in May of 1997. She earned top Honors for her Thesis on Short Fiction. Farah then published a collection of short stories by Trafford called “Make Your Own Chai, Mama’s Boy!” — ten short stories dealing with different dilemmas South Asians face. Her works, characterized by humour and poignancy, often explore cultural identity, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience. Farah also wrote and co-directed her stage play, “Safeway Samosas,” which won “The Best of Brave New Playwrights Award” in July 1995. Her short story “Too Hot” won third place in the “Canada-Wide Best Short Fiction Award” and was read at The Vancouver Writers Festival. She has contributed poems and stories for Simerg and its sister website, Barakah, since 2020. We invite our readers to read some of Farah’s poems by clicking on Elastic Embrace;The Fragrance of Spring, “In Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Eyes,” and her story Mr. Sneaky Peeky and the Two Red-Tailed Monkeys.
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Simerg welcomes your feedback. Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please click LEAVE A COMMENT. If you encounter problems, email the comments to mmerchant@simerg.com with the subject “Farah poem.” We want to reassure you that we respect your privacy and that your published comment will never reveal your email address. For recent and older posts, please visit our Table of Contents. Please also follow us @Facebook, @X , and @LinkedIn.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated around the Muslim world on the 10th day of the twelfth month of ‘DhuI-Hijjah, after the culmination of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The Muslim Association of Canada announced that in 2023 the Eid will be observed on Wednesday, June 18. The Canadian Ismaili Muslim community will also celebrate the Eid on the same day. It is customary, especially in Muslim countries, to celebrate the Eid for 3 to 4 days, after its first observance when special Eid Namaz (prayers) are offered.
In an earlier post we informed our readers of the new Eid stamp that Canada Post issued on April 3, 2023, in advance of the celebration of both Eid al-Fitr as well as Eid al-Adha (see featured image at top of this post). The stamp is only available as part of a beautiful booklet of six stamps and can be ordered on-line. The following is a brief presentation about the significance of the two Eid festivals and the image of the historic artistic bowl that is featured on the stamp.
We convey our heartiest felicitations to all our readers and friends on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha and wish everyone Eid Mubarak. We offer our prayers for the fulfilment of all your wishes, for good health as well as for barakah (happiness) and success in your endeavours. We also pray for the eternal rest of all the deceased souls.
To mark the auspicious day, we present a thoughtful poem by Farah Tejani as well as a lighthearted story that she has written for children.
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POEM
The Great Sacrifice
By FARAH TEJANI, B.A. and M.F.A.
Omnipotent and Merciful is He, Allah knows what is best, At certain times He chooses To put us through certain tests
He observes our response To His Rightful Command, And on this He Judges, Just exactly where we stand.
It is not meant to be easy, What would be the purpose, So we are challenged in truth, Our response to Him defines us.
Reflect and recall a time when, We chose not to obey His Laws, He being of course, All-Forgiving, No doubt, forgave us our flaws.
But what is to be said, Of Hazrat Ibrahim, The One, On the day he was commanded, To take the life of his own son!
Put yourself in his place, Could you do the same, Take the life of who you hold most dear, The ultimate sacrifice in Allah’s name.
Eid al-Adha celebrates Ibrahim’s loyalty, To The Great and Loving Wise One, Though surely riddled with fear and pain, He placed Ismail, his most precious son,
In front of him, and said a prayer, In the Name of Allah, Lord of All Things, He swang the knife and opened his eyes, And “Oh, But what Mercy God Brings.”
In the place of his very own son’s head A miraculous goat’s head had fallen, Allah rewarded Ibrahim’s obedience, Without even a moment of stalling.
Try to imagine the emotions he went through, Ibrahim was elated and held Ismail near, Most Merciful is Our Most Gracious Creator, Humbled by Allah’s Grace he held back a tear.
Abraham would we if we could, Be as loyal as you are to Allah’s Laws, You stand as a testimony of Great Faith, Without even a moment to pause.
Let it be our endeavour, to faithfully honor, The Words from Above they are in our best interest, Take a moment to reflect this Eid al-Adha, And we, too, will surely be at our best.
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A STORY FOR CHILDREN
Oh, I Would Love To…But I Am Just So Totally ZOSTED!
By FARAH TEJANI, B.A. and M.F.A.
The sun was setting in Gifford Park and the air was still crisp; it was the birth of Spring. Tulips, Daisies, African violets, Daffodils and other beautiful flowers would wake from a Winter’s slumber, just like bears coming out of hibernation. The day was done, but for Siegfred squirrel, the day was just beginning. Siegfred excitedly waited every evening around this time for his Dad to come back from work at the Big Al’s Nut Factory.
Now, you have to understand, Siegfred was not your average run of the mill SQUIRREL. Yes, he loved to hunt and gather nuts and seeds like all the other squirrels, and then have competitions on who gathered the most in number, as well as the most in variety.
But Siegfred’s other true passion was fashion. And every single day meant a new chance to wear one of his own individual styles and creations.
On any given day, Seigfred would wear anything from cut off faded blue jean overalls with different colour and pattern bandanas tied in a knot to the side, with high cut sneakers with red laces loosely tied so he could just slip them on; to hawaiian short sleeve silk shirts with flowers, palm trees, and “Hang Loose” written on the back with dark black denim boot cut Levi’s, and shiny leather beatles boots and his hair either toselled in soft curls or held up in a no nonsense hair sprayed “mohawk.”
Today, Mom was preparing her famous specialty: Acorn and walnut salad with assorted green vegetation, topped with dressing made from conifer cones and finally sprinkled with pumpkin and sesame seeds.
Even though this was one of his favourite meals; Sig wanted to wait for his dad. Filled with excitement Siegfred went outside and climbed up the tree so he could see. And then, there he was; Dad’s big smiling face came around the corner, with his work bag slung over his shoulder.
“Here we go!” Sig squealed with joy, “Daddy!” Sig could not help but run to his Dad, while his Dad would also be running towards him. Same thing every day except Saturday and Sunday when he would have the day off; just like all the other Squirrels that were employed at Big Al’s Nut Factory.
Today was Friday, and this was what the whole family would wait for and enjoy. When Sig reached his Dad, his Dad would pick him up and spin him around and give him a big hug saying, “I sure missed you, Siggy.” That’s what he called Siegfred with so much love in his heart; And Sig would say, “Not as much as I missed YOU, Dad!!!” And then he would put Sig down and they would hold hands and walk towards their tree house.
And it was the same every evening. It was their father and son ritual. Siggy always knew he would NEVER EVER get tired of it.
“Come on , son”, he ruffled Sig’s stylish Mohawk. “Let’s go and see what Mom’s up to. Whatever it is, it sure smells good!” “Well, it always does now, doesn’t it ?” Siggy said.
After dinner, both Siggy and his dad rubbed their tummies…
“That was delicious, Mom!” Siggy said.” Absolutely!,” said his father. “Thank you, Mom.”
After the food was put away, Siggy’s dad made his way to the big hammock they all shared and closed his eyes.
“No, Dad!,” Siggy said, “Wake up! Wake up!” Sigfreid climbed on top of his dad. “We always play cloud spotters!”
Cloud spotters was a game where you lie back on the grass and look up into the sky and see if you can find shapes of things in the clouds.
Siggy’s Dad opened his eyes very slowly, “Aw, Sig, I’d love to, but I am just so totally exhausted, let me just rest for a while.”
His eyes began to close again. “I promise I’ll read you your favorite bedtime story, okay?”
“I guess so…” Siggy was disheartened.
He went right up to his mom who was knitting him a scarf for the winter and asked, “Hey, Mom, what is “Zosted?”
“ZOSTED?!?” she furrowed her brows and scratched her head and repeated, “ZOSTED?”
“I really don’t have any idea, Sig,” she asked him bluntly, “Where on earth did you hear that?”
“Dad.” Siggy stated matter of factly. “When I asked Dad to come outside and play with me, he said, ‘he’d love to but he was so totally ZOSTED!'”
Mom let out a little giggle, ” Oh, EXHAUSTED!”
Siggy said abruptly, “Yeah, whatever! What does it mean?”
He was just letting you know that he was exhausted, meaning too tired, or worn out.
“Oh.” Siggy repeated to himself, “ZOSTED”
“Hey, Mom, can I go out and play?”
“Sure, but be careful and make sure you are home by seven.”
“Okay.” He said and he was out the door. Sig smiled to himself, he just got a great idea. Siggy was going to try out his new word with his buddies.
He was headed to Beatrice Bunny’s Mound. But before even getting close, he messed up his hair some more, rolled down one of his socks and let his eyes get droopy and heavy.
He walked slowly making sure to look tired and all tuckered out. Beatrice’s ears perked up and formed two coils facing straight up beside one another. This is what Beatrice Bunny did when she was curious or worried. And as Sig got closer, this is exactly what they did.
Sig made his eyes even heavier and slouched his back and walked even slower, almost falling over.
Beatrice Bunny squealed, “What is going on, Sig? Are you okay?”
Sig acted like he never even heard her, his eyes just barely open now.
Beatrice Bunnie’s ears dropped down at either side of her head now.
“Sig!” Nothing. “SIG!” she walked up to her dear friend and shook him gently, at which point Sig opened his just a tiny bit more.
“Yeah.” he mumbled, while still shuffling ever so slowly in no apparent direction.
“Hey, Seigfred, What on earth is going on? Are you okay?” Beatrice Bunny was genuinely concerned. “Talk to me!”
Sigfried took this as the perfect opportunity to use his new word and impress her with his ever-growing vocabulary.
He circled around and with heavy eyes, said, “Oh, I’d really love to, Beatrice Bunny but I am just so totally ZOSTED.” And with that he continued with his back hunched over and still shuffling.
Beatrice Bunny had never seen him like this before. “ZOSTED?!?” She repeated the word and called out to him, “ZOSTED?!?” I wonder what he means by that?
But Siegfred was already shuffling up the grass towards Ozzy Owl’s tree. And this time he was going to really lay it on thick.
Ozzy’s keen eyes spotted him right away, shuffling in small steps with his eyes barely open.
“What on Earth could you be up to now, Sig?!?”
Siegfried came almost to a full stop and then just flopped on the ground, and bent over. Now he was going to really try out his new word on Ozzy.
“Sigfried,” he called out loudly, “Snap out of it! Are you okay, was it something you ate? Tell me?”
At which point, Sig rolled over onto his back and began to snore softly.
“You have got to be kidding!” Ozzy flew down beside his friend and helped Sig get up. “Shake it off, little buddy! Just tell me how you got like this?”
And here was Sigfried’s chance to use the new word he learned from his father.
He opened his eyes a very tiny bit, and answered Ozzy, “Oh, I’d really love to, but I am so totally ZOSTED!”
“Zosted?” Ozzy repeated. And by then Beatrice made her way to them.
“Yeah,” she said to Ozzy, “That’s exactly what he told me!” Beatrice Bunnie’s ears formed a t.v. antenna on her head. This is what she did when she was looking for answers. She knew Ozzy Owl would solve this problem.
“Exhausted,” Ozzy smiled and with his wings fanned air onto Sig’s face. “The word is EXHAUSTED, Sig! Not ZOSTED! And how did you get so exhausted anyway?”
Sigfried was so excited to show off his new word and he blushed with embarrassment that it did not turn out as he had planned.
Ozzy Owl winked at Beatrice Bunny, “Well now, Beatrice, it looks like we will have to go to movie night without him…there’s just no way he will be able to make it, just look at him.”
Siegfred Squirrel had forgotten: “Wild Kingdom,” he had been waiting for a month for it to come out.
“Movie night?” he whispered, As his eyes began to open, one first and then the other.
“Wow! Look at that, guys! I am not ZOSTED after all!,”
Ozzy cleared his throat and fluttered his black, white, and golden wings and looked right into Siggy’s eyes with that piercing stare all owls have.
“Oh yeah,” Siggy kicked at the ground beneath his feet. And with a sheepish grin said, “I mean exhausted, anymore!…let’s go!”
Beatrice Bunny started hopping on the trail to the theatres, “I’ll pay for the tickets!” Her ears flopping up and down with excitement.
Ozzy confirmed, “Well there is no way I am paying for the popcorn! We all know it’s Sig’s turn. “Ain’t that right, Sigfried?”
“You got it! I can’t wait! It was so hard for me to keep that whole ZOSTED thing going!!!” He said, “I was so excited that I would be using a new word that no one knew.”
“Well, Siggy,” Ozzy Owl chimed in, “You’ve got to get up pretty early in the morning to pull a fast one on this owl! I eat dictionaries for BREAKFAST!”
And with that final note, the three friends made their way to the movies…neither one of them ZOSTED in the least bit, now!!!!
Date posted: June 27, 2023.
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Farah Tejani
Farah Tejani is a creative writer based in Vancouver. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English Literature and her Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia in May of 1997 and earned top Honors for her Thesis on Short Fiction. Farah then went on to publish a collection of short stories published by Trafford, called, “Make Your Own Chai, Mama’s Boy!” — ten short stories dealing with different dilemmas South Asians face. Farah also wrote and co-directed her stage play, “Safeway Samosas,” which won “The Best of Brave New Playwrights Award” in July 1995. Her short story, “Too Hot” won third place in the “Canada-Wide Best Short Fiction Award” and was read at The Vancouver Writers Festival. She has been contributing poems and stories for Simerg and its sister website Barakah since 2020. We invite our readers to read some of Farah’s poems by clicking on Elastic Embrace;The Fragrance of Spring, “In Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Eyes” and her story Mr. Sneaky Peeky and the Two Red-Tailed Monkeys.
We welcome feedback from our readers. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form or click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
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Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated around the Muslim world on the 10th day of the twelfth month of ‘DhuI-Hijjah, after the culmination of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca (see historical photo, below). This year (2022) the Eid will be celebrated by the Canadian Ismaili Muslim community on Saturday, July 9. Numerous Muslim Mosques in Canada have also announced that the Eid al-Adha Namaz prayer will be offered on July 9. In Calgary, Canada, the Eid al-Adha prayers at the Ismaili Headquarters Jamatkhana will be followed by a special free Calgary Stampede/Eid al-Adha breakfast starting at 11 AM (see details HERE).
Between 1909 and 1919. Muslim Pilgrims at the Kaaba in holy city of Mecca. Photo: US Library of Congress.
In addition to the Eid, Ismailis around the world will gather in their Jamatkhanas on Monday, July 11, to celebrate the 65th Imamat Day of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, who succeeded to the 49th hereditary throne of Imamat at the age of twenty by the will of his grandfather, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan III. The reign of the 48th Imam was a record in Ismaili history, lasting 71 years from August 17, 1885, when he was only 7 years old, until he died on July 11, 1957 at the age of 79.
Later during the week of July 11, on or around Saturday July 16, Ismailis along with other Shia Muslims will be observing Eid-e Ghadir, an event that took place during the return journey of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.S.) from the annual pilgrimage to Mecca when he designated Hazrat Ali (A.S.) to succeed him as the first Imam.
Simerg and its sister websites will carry special features related to these important historic events. For Eid al-Adha, we have Qur’anic verses as well as a poem and a beautiful story by Farah Tejani, whose creative writing has been widely appreciated by our readers.
We convey our heartiest felicitations to all our readers and friends on the occasion of Eid al-Adha and offer our prayers for the fulfilment of all your wishes, for good health as well as for barakah and success in your endeavours.
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The Qur’an on the Sacrifice
He said, ‘I am going to my Lord; He will guide me. (99) My Lord, give me one of the righteous.’ (100) Then We gave him the good tidings of a prudent boy; (101) and when he had reached the age of running with him, he said, ‘My son, I see in a dream that I shall sacrifice thee; consider, what thinkest thou?’ He said, ‘My father, do as thou art bidden; thou shalt find me, God willing, one of the steadfast.’ (102) When they had surrendered, and he flung him upon his brow, (103) We called unto him, ‘Abraham, (104) thou hast confirmed the vision; even so We recompense the good-doers. (105) This is indeed the manifest trial.’ (106) And We ransomed him with a mighty sacrifice, (107) and left for him among the later folk (108 ‘Peace be upon Abraham!’ (109) (Holy Qur’an, 37:99-109, translation by A.J. Arberry (click Corpus Quran for multiple translations.)
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The Great Sacrifice
By FARAH TEJANI
Omnipotent and Merciful is He, Allah knows what is best, At certain times He chooses To put us through certain tests
He observes our response To His Rightful Command, And on this He Judges, Just exactly where we stand.
It is not meant to be easy, What would be the purpose, So we are challenged in truth, Our response to Him defines us.
Reflect and recall a time when, We chose not to obey His Laws, He being of course, All-Forgiving, No doubt, forgave us our flaws.
But what is to be said, Of Hazrat Ibrahim, The One, On the day he was commanded, To take the life of his own son!
Put yourself in his place, Could you do the same, Take the life of who you hold most dear, The ultimate sacrifice in Allah’s name.
Eid al-Adha celebrates Ibrahim’s loyalty, To The Great and Loving Wise One, Though surely riddled with fear and pain, He placed Ismail, his most precious son,
In front of him, and said a prayer, In the Name of Allah, Lord of All Things, He swang the knife and opened his eyes, And “Oh, But what Mercy God Brings.”
In the place of his very own son’s head A miraculous goat’s head had fallen, Allah rewarded Ibrahim’s obedience, Without even a moment of stalling.
Try to imagine the emotions he went through, Ibrahim was elated and held Ismail near, Most Merciful is Our Most Gracious Creator, Humbled by Allah’s Grace he held back a tear.
Abraham would we if we could, Be as loyal as you are to Allah’s Laws, You stand as a testimony of Great Faith, Without even a moment to pause.
Let it be our endeavour, to faithfully honor, The Words from Above they are in our best interest, Take a moment to reflect this Eid al-Adha, And we, too, will surely be at our best.
Elizabeth the ladybug prided herself on being a very adventurous and curious little insect. Oh, life was simply so magnificent and extraordinary, and she remembered to thank God every single second. There was so much to learn and do, and this day was a very special day. Somehow inside she knew this was going to be a day she would never forget.
There was just something about the way the sun burst out of the sky just like a clown out of a wind-up music box. Today was just after a summer rain which made a double rainbow in the clouds. Elizabeth’s grandpa used to say that this meant there was a pot of gold at the end, but Elizabeth was not interested in gold today. Her grandfather always told her, “Always remember, Lizzie,” because that is what her family called her, “There are always many, many more important things in this world than gold.”
When Elizabeth was very young, her mother asked her, “Lizzie, honey, if you could do anything you want, what would you like to do more than anything in this world?” and Elizabeth kicked her little black foot in the blades of grass, “I don’t know…anything?” “Yes,” her mother smiled, not having a clue what her daughter would say. “I guess I would like to get to know everybody in the whole wide world!”
“Oh my!” she exclaimed, “This world is a pretty big place, and how would such a little ladybug like you do that?”
Elizabeth looked at her very seriously, “That’s easy. One at a time!”
Her mother laughed and gave her daughter a big hug! She knew if any ladybug could do it, Lizzie would! She would fly as far as her little wings would take her. There was nothing more fun than making new friends. And Lizzie had lots of them.
And this day was special. Elizabeth was on a mission to make a new friend at her favorite park in Richmond, British Columbia. Slowly she made small steps which gave her more time to see more things. Her mother used to tell her, “Lizzie, remember not to run through life too quickly; you might miss out on the good stuff…which was true indeed. So there were times when she would use her wings, but times when she would take slow meticulous steps and enjoy it like a hot cup of chocolate when it’s snowing.
Swan. Photo: Malik Merchant
Minoru Park was so special because it had squirrels and rabbits and ducks and swans and all types of plants and flowers. Elizabeth had many friends here already but today she was on a special mission to meet a new friend she just knew needed her help. You know how you just know things sometimes?…Yeah, like that.
Elizabeth passed all the friends she knew already because she was so tiny, and it was hard for them to see her. So she made her way across the step bridge and smiled at the mating swans which were making a heart shape with their necks. CLICK. She took a photo with her mind because she didn’t have a camera. This is how you make memories. Elizabeth had taken many photos in her mind. Sunsets, spider webs, flowers, squirrels, rabbits, frogs, butterflies and especially family. Photos that she could remember whenever she wanted to.
Suddenly, Elizabeth smelled a beautiful fragrance coming from the flowers on the other side of the bridge. She tiptoed on the dew on the grass so as not to disturb them and watched in wonder as they went about their day.
She was quite surprised to find some yellow sunlit dandelions doing the tango and dancing in the breeze. They were not aware that she was nearby and so they just laughed and giggled and enjoyed the warmth on their petals. Elizabeth called up from below, “Hey, my name is Elizabeth…do you want to be my friend?” But they were not able to hear her, so she just kept going, sure she would find that special friend.
Tulips. Photo: Nurin Merchant
And then Elizabeth went to the next bush and she couldn’t believe what she saw! Believe it or not Elizabeth saw some tulips holding briefcases, pens and pencils and charts and diagrams! They seemed to be talking and holding some kind of very important business meeting. Just like humans! “Oh, if only humans only knew what animals and nature do when they are asleep or not paying attention!” Elizabeth decided it was probably best not to disturb them. She carried on her very important adventure.
Elizabeth went a bit further and came across some lilacs singing in a choir! A choir! Oh, they sure sounded as pretty as they looked. It was the end of summer and they were already practicing Christmas carols. Elizabeth sat and listened to their songs for a bit. She was quite amazed at how gifted and talented they were. Elizabeth was going to stop and ask if she could sing with them, but she was determined to make a new friend today, and this would just delay her.
Elizabeth went a little further to a bush with no flowers, just bulbs that had not bloomed just yet. But there right in front of her lying in the grass was a single long stem rose that had been plucked and thrown away! This rose did not look happy just drying up and withering in the sun.
Wilting rose. Photo: Rashida Tejani
“Are you okay?” Elizabeth asked her sincerely.
No answer.
Elizabeth asked again and moved closer in case she couldn’t hear her.
“Hey, my name is Elizabeth…do you want to be my friend?”
But there was no response.
Elizabeth began to worry and she tried again, really anxious on becoming this rose’s friend… she just knew this was the special reason for today’s adventure and she was not going to give up.
“Excuse me, can you hear me? Are you okay? I would like to be your friend.”
Suddenly a small soft voice uttered very slowly and with much effort, “Oh, can’t you see? There’s no time for friends. Can’t you see that a human has plucked me from my bush and cast me to the ground. I was up there in my bush and I was the first one to bloom, so some human thought I was pretty and smelled me and then just decided to throw me away like an old newspaper that has already been read!”
Elizabeth knew this was her special friend and she knew she would do anything to help her.
“What do you mean?” Elizabeth was genuinely concerned. “How can I help you?”
“Put me back in my rose bush with my friends!”
Elizabeth knew she had to do something.
“Just like you need the plants and the dew on grass I need water and the sun and the soil to LIVE!” The rose craned her neck up with much effort to look Elizabeth in the eyes. “The sun is so hot and blazing on me that I am drying up and withering away! I don’t have too many words left but I hope you will hear me and share this message. I wish human beings would be more careful. LIVE AND LET LIVE!”
With one of her thorns she pointed at the puddle just next to them.
“You look like a very brave, strong and determined little lady bug. I have faith in you, my new friend. Do you have the strength to roll my stem in there, just so I can live just a little bit longer?”
Elizabeth had tears in her eyes, and looked sadly at the dying rose. But she was so happy she called her her new friend. “I know I can!” She knew there was a reason for her going on her adventure.
And with that, Elizabeth dug her heels in the ground and rolled the end of the flower’s stem into the puddle that she was so happy was there.
“LIVE AND LIVE!” The rose was fading now. With whatever strength she could gather from the water in the puddle she managed to say some very important things!
“Don’t put lions in cages, don’t put elephants in cages, don’t put gorillas and monkeys in cages, don’t put killer whales and dolphins in aquariums, don’t put fish and snakes and lizards in tanks…and for God’s sake don’t pluck flowers because they are pretty and they smell nice! LIVE AND LET LIVE! We last a lot longer in the bush and animals last a lot longer in their natural habitat!”
Elizabeth flew up to her petals and closed her eyelids and with that the rose slowly faded away leaving three or four dried red rose petals that looked like tears. Elizabeth took a very sad but meaningful snapshot in her mind and felt very sad that she only had this friend for a matter of minutes. But she was grateful for the lesson that would last a lifetime!
Tears were flowing from her eyes as she sat with the rose while the sun was setting in the distance. She had never thought about how important life was. No one had ever tried to take hers except for that young girl on the farm who put her under a glass where she was held prisoner for hours, but fortunately one of the adults used the glass to get some orange juice and she managed to get away. God knows what the young child would have done with her if the grown up didn’t come in time!
Elizabeth did not even know the rose’s name. “LIVE AND LET LIVE” indeed. Elizabeth said a small prayer of gratitude to God. “Thank you, for this GIFT OF LIFE YOU HAVE GIVEN ME, MY GIFT BACK TO YOU IS WHAT I DO WITH IT.” Amen.
Date posted: July 08, 2022.
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Farah Tejani
Farah Tejani is a creative writer based in Vancouver. She is currently working on childrens’ stories and a collection of poetry called “Elastic Embrace.” She has been contributing poems and stories for Simerg and its sister website Barakah for the past year. We invite our readers to read some of Farah’s poems by clicking on Elastic Embrace;The Fragrance of Spring; and “In Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Eyes”. In addition to Elizabeth the Ladybug and the Lonely Rose, children will also love another story by Farah called Mr. Sneaky Peeky and the Two Red-Tailed Monkeys.
We welcome feedback from our readers. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
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Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos.
Winter winds whispering through the near naked trees, The Season is upon us, feel that crisp familiar breeze. With no two snowflakes alike, they settle on our faces, Melting on eyelashes and leaving no traces…
A white blanket of fresh snow falls all around, Like in a snow globe it always astounds; We run out to greet it throwing our hands in the air, So effortlessly it falls and with wonder we share
With loved ones we gather making snow angels and snowmen. Year after year, we never tire, we do it again and again. The fresh snow makes everything feel sacred and new, Our own Winter Wonderland is the spectacle we view.
So gather together as the New Year draws near, It is a time for resolutions and to make them sincere, Take note with GRATITUDE, God is blessing you with more time, Blessed is life’s journey, to waste even a day is a crime.
With this new snowfall, it’s time to clean all the slates, Forgiveness is Powerful, it can open any gate, Bear no grudges, this is of no use to you, It is just more baggage to carry, and it is truthfully undue.
We are granted just this one gift to live here and now, What you do with this gift is to God what you vow. Every day when your eyes open, before turning the coffee pot on, Look in your heart and thank God that you are not gone.
Every single day is a present to be opened with joy, And doing God’s WORK is a meaningful and righteous employ. Forget all the spending, the best present you can give, Is TO LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY FOR AS LONG AS YOU LIVE.
We welcome feedback from our readers. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form below or click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos.
Dare to dream and soar the skies, Without ever questioning or wondering why; Life is the canvas and you are the brush, With so many hues, there is no need to rush.
Discover your gifts and leave no stone unturned, It’s your time to claim all that you have yearned; Travel the world, give birth to a precious child, Dig deep into your soul and let your spirit run wild.
Photograph, sing, write, fly, Sculpt, dig, explore on high; Have lunch on the moon or have tea with the Queen Don’t be left wondering wonder what you could have been.
This world is for living in and living in now, Those who lose sight will always wonder “how.” Time stops for no one, so play your best game, With so many days, make no two the same.
And be prepared for those who will tell you you can’t, For it is these same people you will truly enchant. Many are jealous of the gifts we possess, But it is WITHIN US ALL to find true success
So challenge yourself, there is no time to compete, To compare yourself to others is quite simply effete. You’re God’s gifted child, He has plans for you, So dare to dream, it is time for your debut!
You are the butterfly asleep in the Cocoon, You must wait for your time, lest it be too soon. And when the time is right you will no doubt emerge, With uniquely painted wings and upwards you will surge.
Simerg welcomes your feedback. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form below or click Leave a comment . Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Please also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah and Simergphotos.
A Short Story by FARAH TEJANI Illustration by LEE MATHISON
Mr. Sneaky Peeky was an elephant-like no other, For he wore a dark black mask unlike his mom and dad or brother, And when he wore this super mask it made him feel so invincible, But his father was not at all impressed, because he was the school’s principal
At recess time the kids would laugh and say, “Who Do You Think You Are?” And Mr. Sneaky Peeky always said, “I am further than the farthest star! For I believe In my mind that there is nothing I can’t do! And that is what makes me, ME and what makes you, you!”
Mr. Sneaky Peeky’s father would warn him all the time, “These Super Hero fantasies won’t solve any REAL crimes!” But his mother loved him so tenderly, she knit him a multicolored cape, And with it he could run so very fast, no criminal could try to escape!
Sneaky’s older brother sold vacuums door to door, He was proud of Mr. Sneaky for always wanting more, “Don’t mind what other people say, just keep on believing in you! And just watch how far you will go to make all your dreams come true!”
It just so happened that the day did come that Sneaky would have to test, Just what kind of superpowers he truly did possess, A robbery had taken place at the local jewelry store, The cops arrived but the bad guys escaped but Sneaky Peeky knew more!
He saw two red-tailed monkeys with heavy knapsacks on their backs, Looking very suspicious, looking through some magazine racks, With no basket, buggy, or pull cart, Mr. Peeky was not dumb, The jewelry shop was just next door, they stood out like sour thumbs!
Their sacks looked heavy, so Sneaky used his superpowered mask, To solve this crime and to return the jewels, so he set down to the task To see right through the bags they held, He pushed buttons on each side, “Freeze, gentlemen, and drop your sacks, you boys are going for a ride!”
They looked and tried to run and make a quick escape, But these bad guys were just no match for Mr. Sneaky and his special cape! The red-tailed monkeys were very good at swinging branch to branch, But Sneaky Peeky tore those trees down to the ground, alas they had NO CHANCE!
“Oh, if only my dad could see me now, I know I would make him proud, “No time to think, I’ve got a job to do,” Sneaky spoke out loud. And with his trunk, he grabbed their tails and tied them in a knot, And all the jewels fell to the ground, but the mischievous monkeys were caught!
The Chief of Police, Erma Glendale, was happy that all the jewels were returned, “All the officers on my watch were very impressed and said they had a lot to learn Like how on earth did you know, Mr. Sneaky, that the criminals were hiding next door?” “Some things I have been blessed with, these are my superpowers for sure.”
“Criminals that flee any normal crime scene, usually do so in a getaway car, Something told me these robbers were smart and were not going to be very far, And these red-tailed monkeys with their heavy knapsacks, Were not shopping for groceries, and these are just the facts!
“Dear Chief of Police, please do not mind, the rest I cannot tell… For these are my super powers and they are quite personal. So now I must be on my way for it is time for me to go, Because I still have school to go to, and as they say on with the show!”
“Oh, but Mr. Sneaky Peeky, please accept one final thing, The jewelry store has rewarded you with this 5 point diamond ring! And furthermore, Mr. Sneaky, can you please untie their tails? None of us down here can do it, and we need to put them in different cells!”
Date posted: September 23, 2021.
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Farah Tejani
Farah Tejani is a creative writer based in Vancouver. This is her second story for Simerg, following the recently published heart-warming story Elizabeth the Ladybug and the Lonely Rose. Farah is currently working on childrens’ stories and a collection of poetry called “Elastic Embrace” to be published later this year. She has contributed numerous poems for Simerg and its sister website Barakah in the past year including The Fragrance of Spring; Elastic Embrace; and The Great Sacrifice.
We welcome feedback from our readers. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form below or click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos.
Open your doors and let the honeyed fragrance of Spring, Enter your household while the seraphic birds sweetly sing, All life is born again now that the gruelling winter is done, Raise hands and praise Allah under the melting rays of the sun.
Navroz Mubarak, the New Year begins, We welcome it with wonder and repent for our sins, Three hundred million of us over three thousand years, Jubilantly celebrate with sacred songs and with cheers.
A new chapter to read, a new seed to plant, For abundance and prosperity a sacred prayer we chant. On Navroz we strengthen bonds and our families unite, Exchanging human values, our wishes with foresight.
Envisioning the New Year to bring with it Peace, And for all calamities and ill health to immediately cease. We dance and we sing sacred Ginans from our Pirs Qasidas and Garbis unite and cohere.
In harmony with Nature we must strive to exist, If not pandemics like COVID-19 will sadly persist, But if we take it in stride as a hard lesson learned We will appreciate the respect that Nature truly yearned.
We all share a common fate and must aim to erase, All discrimination and hatred and truly embrace, Love, tolerance and respect for all of mankind, So that cultural diversity will not be undermined.
We pray for global peace and international cooperation For we are all in the Ummah from nation to nation. Let nothing divide us and bring us to fight, Let us instead hold and value for tomorrow is in sight.
What was dead becomes alive, let the festivities begin, Intricate henna designs are dyed on our skin, We receive our roji and take our Navroz wishes, For barakat and abundance and we enjoy festive dishes.
It is that time of year, tulips spring out from the soil A hearty true effort from a burdensome winter’s toil, Shadowed they waited for this day to emerge, Colors in splendour they burst and they surge.
Spring blossoms are shedding their soft petals in few, The buds are just opening thinly covered in dew, Moist raindrops with sunlight the perfect combination, To bring creation forth in a renewing sensation.
Take notice of Kudrat and all the miracles of Mawla, His Bounty is Ever-Present, Al-Hamdu l’illah. The Spring breeze whispers through the meadows and the trees, And there is flitting and buzzing of butterflies and bees.
The animals all awaken from a dazed winter’s sleep, The goats, the chickens and the sheep, The horses, the donkeys, the rabbits, and the squirrels, All the animals arise for the Navroz’ precious pearls.
So arise and awaken to the Navroz, our New Year, And welcome all customs with good heart and good cheer, United we stand and divided we fall, The Ummah prevails and respectfully unites us all.
Farah Tejani graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia in May of 1997 and earned top Honors for her Thesis on Short Fiction. She has published a collection of short stories “Make Your Own Chai, Mama’s Boy!” dealing with different dilemmas South Asians face. Farah also wrote and co-directed her stage play, “Safeway Samosas,” which won “The Best of Brave New Playwrights Award” in July 1995. Her short story , “Too Hot” won third place in the “Canada-Wide Best Short Fiction Award” and was read at The Vancouver Writers Festival. Currently, Farah is working on Childrens’ stories and a collection of poetry called, “Elastic Embrace” to be published in 2021.
We welcome feedback from our readers. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form below or click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
Please also read Farah’s previous contributions to Simerg and its sister website Barakah by clicking on the following links:
Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos.
Like a candle, In a dark room, Her light would erase,
Any frown, Or any pain, You had on your face.
A gifted teacher, Full of knowledge, She’d leave you wanting more.
Her loving arms, Were always open, She would never shut her door.
All her students, Were her children, Whom she loved with her whole heart.
Not one student, Could forget her, Right from the very start.
Her knowledge Was a mountain, Everyone wanted to climb.
She imparted With her wisdom, Never concerned about the time.
Her bright smile Filled the hearts, Of all who came near,
When in her Holy Presence, There was never need to fear,
Her faith Never wavered, Not once would she question.
The words Of the Imam Or his Noble Direction.
Years and years Of service, She has given to our Mawla.
Precious, priceless Memories, For all of us to store.
With much sadness Her time to go, Has left us all with pain,
But if she had words She’d tell us,
“I am an Ever Burning Flame.
Forget me not, For I am near, Closer than you know.
For even though We leave this earth We never truly go.
We are with God Though we may be gone, And though it is a shame.
You keep me alive Alive in your heart An Ever Burning Flame.”
Date posted: February 9, 2021.
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We welcome feedback from our readers. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form below or click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
Farah Tejani graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia in May of 1997 and earned top Honors for her Thesis on Short Fiction. She has published a collection of short stories “Make Your Own Chai, Mama’s Boy!” dealing with different dilemmas South Asians face. Farah also wrote and co-directed her stage play, “Safeway Samosas,” which won “The Best of Brave New Playwrights Award” in July 1995. Her short story , “Too Hot” won third place in the “Canada-Wide Best Short Fiction Award” and was read at The Vancouver Writers Festival. Currently, Farah is working on Childrens’ stories and a collection of poetry called, “Elastic Embrace” to be published in 2021.
Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos.
Mystic Moon, Cast your spell… Your shimmering gaze, And, oh how many faces! Cleverly captured in reflections, On the dark, dark blue waves.
Shifting shadows of craters On your surface, Leave mere mortals Spellbound… With your catalogue Of explicit expressions No two alike.
At times you are serene, Sometimes in sorrow. When Joy overtakes you, Your smile crawls across your face Slowly but surely.
At times you appear horrified… Really speaking, I can’t blame you.
Are you keeping your eye on us? Like we watch over you? My niece calls you ‘God’s flashlight,’ Just making certain “All is well.” Sometimes she calls you a fingernail, Depending on your phase.
All are in wonder Of your sublime stature, Your welcomed wisdom. I offer you my humble respect By never underestimating your pull On our strings…
In all honesty I am in absolute awe of your Daily devotion to the Sun. It is a love of Another World.
Date posted: September 5, 2020.
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Farah Tejani graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia in May of 1997 and earned top Honors for her Thesis on Short Fiction. With the help of her agent Barbara Graham she then went on to publish a collection of short stories published by Trafford, called, “Make Your Own Chai, Mama’s Boy!” — ten short stories dealing with different dilemmas South Asians face. Farah also wrote and co-directed her stage play, “Safeway Samosas,” which won “The Best of Brave New Playwrights Award” in July 1995. Her short story , “Too Hot” won third place in the “Canada-Wide Best Short Fiction Award.” and was read at The Vancouver Writers Festival. Currently, Farah is working on Childrens’ stories and a collection of poetry called, “Elastic Embrace” to be published in 2021.
Farah’s recent pieces in Simerg and affiliated website(s):
We welcome feedback from our readers. Please complete the LEAVE A REPLY form below or click on Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation
With one hand on his expanded stomach and another wiping his eyes, The hot sun shows no mercy, and the despondent mother cries. She has no fear and curses God, for how could this not shake her, She vows to make her reasons heard just when she’ll meet her Maker.
“Why must my babe go hungering for basic bread and water, When across the globe another Mom is feeding milk to her daughter, In big brick homes with fancy lawns and furniture and floors, While I hide from the sun in my simple hut with no doors?
Can you hear my wretched painful cries as the tears fall down my face? Is this why you gave me this gift so that I could not give him even a trace, Of something warm and substantial to ease the hole within his gut. Or is this my sad misfortune to be haunted in this agonizing rut?
How do you wish me to appease him, how is he supposed to understand? Why does his own mother, his loving provider, not soothe him with her hand?” The mother enraged by the Injustice and Unfairness of it all, Decides there is nothing left to do but to surrender to the Fall.
She takes a piece of fabric from the only dress that she has in her keeping, And moistens it with water she has boiled, and cooled down while she was sleeping, And draws it to her son’s parched lips, with prayers he will not get worse; And after he has drunk a few spoonfuls, she will pray to release this curse.
The doctors never make trips out to her people, they are miles from anywhere, “Yet people in better off countries are privileged with the very best Healthcare!” With trembling hands she tries to soothe her aching hungry child, But all the while the injustices just make her mind run wild.
“Just give me some hope, just give a sign, that You will promise to provide, All I want is these words from You and on this I will abide.” Just then she heard a rumbling of a crowd outside her door, A truck was parked and handing out rations while the people shouted, “More!”
Her uncle came with powdered milk and she simply could not believe it, She mixed it with the boiled water and praised how she received it, She drew it to his hungry mouth and he drank it with sheer delight, While tearfully she thanked her Maker and praised Him with her might.
“Hear me, I am grateful, but please God promise me this, You will stand faithfully by my side so that I will not dismiss, That when in need You are always there, so preserve my faith in You. Now my child’s hunger is satisfied, I am not so disheartened and blue.”
The mother held her babe to her breast and stroked him sweetly to sleep, And in his ears she whispered a promise that she vowed that she would keep, “I leave you In my Maker’s Hands, for He looks after us all, And whenever I am weak in faith I will remember upon Him to call.”
(The poem was composed on May 18, 2020).
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The Forest Cries at Night
By FARAH TEJANI
Dance june bug dance, Upon the dogwood’s dew kissed petal, Make your movements carefully On which foot will you settle.
Do you wonder needlessly, About that dreaded rattle snake, Or how she strikes fear in all who pass, With the clatter that she makes?
In the forest you are just a little one, Amidst the towering trees, With their sinewy branches, Blowing secrets in the breeze.
Mocking monkeys hanging by their tails, Eating ripe and sweet bananas, They thrive in this lush green forest, But could not possibly endure the savannahs.
Parrots with feathered wings bright, Squawk loudly praising the Moon, Rains quench this great green carpet, The owls hoot a different tune.
Greet the twitching grasshopper, Paying heed to their chirping sounds, Should there be a coming storm, Every animal knows what might abound.
Hear the forests buried secrets, Their message to us all, The riches that lie within her, ARE THE SACRED TREES THAT WE FALL!
So find shelter friendly squirrels,, Shine on Madame Firefly, These are the tears of the forests, And the animals never lie.
(The poem was composed on May 10, 2020).
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From Behind Heaven’s Curtain
By FARAH TEJANI
Take time and summon thoughts for those whom we cherish, In doing so we make certain that from our memories they don’t perish. As for the loved ones who’s souls have remorsefully passed on, Though it may feel like, they are certainly not gone.
From behind Heaven’s Curtain, they watch us from Above, When loneliness prevails, they shower us with LOVE. Blessing our endeavours, every moment, every action, Our successes, they recount with humble satisfaction.
When we are in distress, they beg God to ALTER, Our destiny, so that we can endure but not falter. Their prayers go answered; they are so loved by the LORD And it is on these sweet prayers that our very lives have soared.
Their hearts burst with joy when we are immersed in happiness, Months without hardships and countless hours without stress. In remembering our LOVED ONES precious pictures we keep, Upon gazing at their faces we cannot help but weep.
We ask God how could He? It was much too soon for them to part, But we are soon reminded of what we have known from the start, From the very moment we are born there is one thing for sure, There is no way to defy the grasp of death’s final lure.
Reminisce and treat precious these moments we have now, Before destiny takes another life and then it is too late somehow. Be joyous, take pictures, share loving words, embrace, Texting’s overrated LOVE IS ONLY REAL FACE TO FACE.
So put down your phone and just travel the distance, Be prepared for often you will be met with resistance. Because these days, no one has time left to spare, Take time to MAKE TIME and let them know that YOU CARE.
Busy lives just get busier and often time gets LOST And once it is GONE we realize at what PRECIOUS COST. While we are living make peace and share your heart, So that should one of us leave this earth, with LOVE SHALL WE PART.
(The poem was composed on May 27, 2020).
Date posted: July 24, 2020.
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Farah Tejani
We are delighted to introduce readers of Simerg to our new contributor Farah Tejani, with three of her recently penned poems.
Farah graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia in May of 1997 and earned top Honors for her Thesis on Short Fiction. With the help of her agent Barbara Graham she then went on to publish a collection of short stories published by Trafford, called, “Make Your Own Chai, Mama’s Boy!” — ten short stories dealing with different dilemmas South Asians face. Farah also wrote and co-directed her stage play, “Safeway Samosas,” which won “The Best of Brave New Playwrights Award” in July 1995. Her short story , “Too Hot” won third place in the “Canada-Wide Best Short Fiction Award.” and was read at The Vancouver Writers Festival. Currently, Farah is working on Childrens’ stories and a collection of poetry called, “Elastic Embrace” to be published in 2021.
__________________
Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few.
We welcome feedback/letters from our readers. Please use the feedback box which appears below. If you don’t see the box please click Leave a comment. Your comment may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation. We are unable to acknowledge unpublished letters
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