Poem: Maria the Copt

Stoker (2014)

 

She’s prays to her lord,  m- m-mMary mother of Jesus, 

sweetest agony,

make me not a wild thing

 God circled her and said;

And they ask you about menstruation. Say: It is an illness; therefore keep aloof from the women during the menstrual discharge and do not go near them until they have become clean; then when they have cleansed themselves, go in to them as Allah has commanded you; surely Allah loves those who turn much (to Him), and He loves those who purify themselves.

— Quran 2:222

 

So why did you make her ache, ache, ache

with fervent language, bloods aflame?

He said:

 O Asma’, when a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it does not suit her that she displays her parts of body except this and this, and he pointed to her face and hands."- Abu Dawud

 

Doesn’t she wear her bruises,

like savage jewels -

Glances at the mirror, taking in the view?

 

He said:

"Not one of you should fulfil one’s (sexual) need from his wife like an animal”

 

each other’s pathetic, panting glory

no room to think through

purified by lust

white heat, split in two. 

He said:

 “Those of your women who commit fornication, let four (Muslim) witness testify to their act. If there is sufficient testimony, confine them to their homes until they die, or until God provides a way for their freedom”

 

for her

this spit and sweat exchange is

currency of the gods.

Highest form of worship.

The most exquisite torture.

 

He said:

“The [unmarried] woman or [unmarried] man found guilty of sexual intercourse - lash each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not be taken by pity for them in the religion of Allah , if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment.”

 

Alas, I even sin with a kiss.