The Struggle of the Patient

Life is an unpaved road
intimidating 
and enormous like an elephant 
and I am 
wandering in it with invisible crutches
under my jaded branches

One crutch is scintillating, 
a shaft of 
inexhaustible hope – 
Patience 
‎إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ
(Indeed, God is with those who are patient.)

And what am I 
if not a blob of congealed blood
refusing to whine about my 
trials?

The other crutch is profound,
a rod too arduous
to clench –
Gratitude
‎فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ
(So which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?)

And what am I 
if not a boulder instead of a heart
refusing to count my myriad of blessings?

I have learned 
while perusing the books of knowledge 
by righteous luminaries:

Being patient 
cannot be likened 
to being grateful 

For I have survived 
hurricanes of ailments 
without grumbling 

Yet failed to acknowledge 
other gifts bestowed upon me 
at that tumultuous time

This conscientious soul 
desperately 
awaits a morning

when this timid beauty
can hold 
both the crutches 

with a wide smile 
like a jewel 
on her visage
and sweetly whisper, 
” الحمد لله على كل حال “
(All praise and thanks are only for God in all circumstances.)

Reminder:

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

– Surah Baqarah 

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah is pleased with His servant if, when he eats something, he thanks Allah for it, and when he drinks something, he thanks Allah for it.” (Muslim)