Editor’s note: During the month of ‘Ala’ a handful of writers collaborate to share one work for each day of the Fast.
Distaff
International Women’s Day
And I think of Zaynab
History will have much to say
Of this heroic follower of the Bab
How can I sit on my couch and prattle
When my spiritual ancestors gave their lives in battle?
Tahirih was strangled and thrown into a well
Martyred poetess society could not quell
Herald of the Covenant from the City I live in
Long road to gender equality, but we can never give in
Someday we’ll see fruit. Tahirih took off her veil
Let us teach like Martha Root. Justice will prevail.
– Gilbert Smith