By Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes

VISITING THE HALA SULTAN TEKKE (THE MOSQUE OF UMM HARAM)

We take off our shoes
before entering the mosque

Bare feet hovering
over red and gold carpet

We pause inside a prayer niche
carved with familiar stars

Leaf through a Koran

We can’t read Arabic
nevertheless
the Prophet’s teachings speak to us
page after page adorned
by soaring calligraphy

Nearby three religious pilgrims
rest on their backs
pointing to birds
circling a light in the dome

They say the winged creatures
are sacred
because no droppings have been found
within Islam’s third holiest shrine

We walk through an inner archway
where the prophet’s Aunt is entombed

Beneath a magnificent shroud
her sarcophagus
is said to be suspended in midair

Outside it is July
and the normally dry salt lake
is overflowing with water
from last winter’s rains –
The entire mosque

Floating

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes

Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes was born and raised in San Diego, California. He attended Herbert Hoover High School and went on to study Religion and Theology at the University of San Diego. His book Intimate Geography, published by Ragged Sky Press, won the 2012 San Diego Book Award for Poetry. Ish, as he is known, has also written lyrics for German musicians Andrea Hörkens and Thomas Roderburg (Tender Art).

Latest posts by Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes (see all)

• Word’s Out | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 14, 2018
• Political Love Affair | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 7, 2018
• Deer Tracks | Geo-Poetic Spaces - November 30, 2018