We, becoming lost in the chaotic whirlwind of existence,
within its patterns and dimensions,
between seven layers of separation,
weaving us through
a multitude of realities.
We, puzzling at hairline fractures,
arising from lapses of our consciousness,
exposing our humanness
agitating our frontal lobes,
levering us from our perception
into a sensory mode.
We, portal points of perception
passing from potential
to actual existence in an instant
to bear witness
to the infinite storehouses
of what loved to be known
through the senses.
Yes, this Out-breath of pure existence
beyond dimensions situated
in space and time,
clay and water,
grape and wine,
beats and rhymes
suspended in between
bap and boom,
& the kaf and the nun
of the Kun f’ya kun
the ripples of time,
conscious spirit.
We, reverberating through
physical finite mystical hindsight
– I am in the opinion of my slave –
not all apertures are set to take
in the same amount of divine light.
Melding Consciousness ©2014
Safa N. Plenty is an educator and mental health counselor. She holds a Masters of Social Work from Columbia University in Applied Generalist Practice and Programming and an undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in Africana Studies. Her research interest include Sufism, Attachment to God, indigenous eschatology, particularly Native American and Somatic psychology. She is also interested in religious mysticism, mindfulness practice in Buddhism and the role of feminism and religion in cultivating a peacemaking capacity among young Muslim women. Safa is currently working to develop a faith based healthy relationships program for Mothers and daughters. She enjoys writing poetry, research, and contemplative practice in art and crafts in her free time.
feminismandreligion.com 
Just really resonate and love this
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Thank you!
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Wow, great poem!
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Thank you! I had some help from a great teacher.
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Seeing myself as a mystic, I really enjoyed this poem, Safa, and learned a little Arabic in trying to understand it completely. But I still don’t understand the parenthetical phrase in the last stanza (or maybe don’t understand what it refers to), namely “I am in the opinion of my slave.” Could you please elucidate?
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Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed and benefited from reading the poem. ‘I am in the opinion of my slave’ relates to the notion that the Real is in the perception of the believer. If the slave or believer views the Real as merciful then her experience of the divine will be reflective of this understanding. But, if her understanding of the Divine is a perception based in fear, then her lived experience of the Divine will be based in fear–false evidence appearing real. Instead of Love which serves as a balance between hope in doing what is pleasing to and fear of doing what is displeasing to the Divine. ‘I am in the opinion of my slave ‘is also based in an acceptance of ourselves as imperfectly perfect being, who are worthy of God’s love and mercy. So, Is what we perceive as real that which creates our reality, especially when it comes to the Unseen and Transcendent nature of the Divine?
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Fantastic! If you agree, I may use this to open my course on Ibn al-`Arabi this summer (and fall if it gets approved)! Love it!
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Thank you! I would be honored to have you use this poem to open your course. Where can I send any additional information I would like to accompany the poem i.e. the name of a collaborator?
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Thank you for sharing the sweetness of the divine breath as it BREATHES through the soul (ruh) of your writing. Such a pleasure to taste… huuu
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Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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