Jim received this beautiful poem, written by Arvind, a graduate student at USC, after he heard of the proposed Quran burning on 9/11/10 (which, thankfully, did not end up happening). I thought it was particularly relevant to our discussion 2 weeks ago about the controversy surrounding the proposed Islamic cultural center in New York and the toxic environment that has ensued:
All I ask is that each Book be read!
The Word, to the pious, comes from God...
To others, it's just in Man's mind bred!
In sheer disbelief, though you may nod...
All I ask is that each Book be read!
Reduced to writing in earthly ink,
These are heavenly decrees it's said.
When it means the world to us, some think,
All I ask is that each Book be read!
“There is but one Divine Decree!”
By this call were countless armies led!
Before a preaching or killing spree,
All I ask is that each Book be read!
In dead silence under mystery's shroud,
By unread Scripture is hatred fed!
Before rousing rabbles in the crowd,
All I ask is that each Book be read!
What was wisdom in a bygone age,
Our modern mind may view with dread!
Viewing with Reason's eye every page,
All I ask is that each Book be read!
-Arvind Iyer
University of Southern California
September 8, 2010
Posted by Sarrah
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