Joseph

S. Qasim Hasany

 

In a spacious hall, supported by huge and heavy pillars,

Papyrus designed, inscribed with hierohlyphic letters.

A midday feast was resounding with giggles and laughters

Of pharonic aristocracy's ladies and lady courtiers

And the grand vazirs' lady playing as hostess fair.

She had invited them for merry making, as it were.

 

One could guess well the gatherings' stunning glamour,

Reflecting ancient Egypt's court ladies culture.

Semi attired with dresses of designs of fast colour,

Wearing ornaments, precious stones inlaid in gold and silver,

And hefty slave girls serving guests hither and thither

Or airing the guests with fans of ostrich feather.

 

After several dishes, enjoyed and well served,

The last item was that of fruits reserved.

They were brought in little baskets of reeds of Nile,

For each guest with a separate and fast knife.

The moment each guest started to use her knife,

A statue of beauty appeared in flesh and life.

 

The ladies were taken aback, but fixed their eyes

At the matchless male beauty of large brilliant eyes,

With unique features, skin of red apples' colour.

His olive brown hair, touching his rounded shoulder.

His appearance hushed assembly's every reveler

And in confusion, instead of fruit cut her own finger.

 

He glanced the gathering with indifference

And soon moved away to whence he made his appearance.

When the amazement subsided of the onlookers,

They realized with knives they had cut their fingers.

With sobs of pain and wonder of the recent scene,

The ladies present uttered, "an august angel seen!"

 

"That wasn't an angel!" The hostess exclaimed!

"But the person with amorous contact I am blamed.

Now listen ladies! I am out to enjoy of him,

Whether he agrees or not, depends not on him.

If he doesn't, he will have to rot in dungeon,

Cure your fingers, with blames sting me not like scorpion."

 

Who he was? Now I tell you in terms clear.

Joseph! Son of Jacob, the prophet, while still a minor

Was purchased a slave by grand vazir from a trader.

Living with him reached his youth, a paragon sober.

By his manly beauty and character spotless clear

The Vazir's wife was enamoured, the ladies had a rumor.

 

So was Joseph, himself a prophet, Egypts' future ruler,

Thrown into a dungeon as he remained chaste and clear.

How was he saved from jail and got the rulers chair?

Know from Quran, of his name, "the best story. Chapter[1]

In his person was three generations' spiritual glamour,

As he was the great grandson of Prophet Abraham, Kaaba's builder



[1]  Holy Quran itself terms "the best story" as described in the chapter “Yusuf”

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