Journey to Mecca

Once in a life time pilgrimage to Mecca

Growing to a man and embracing my life.

My commitment to Allah, a journey begins with no strife.

Once in a lifetime, a pilgrimage to Mecca must be the end,

To my commitment to my religion and forgiveness of sin.

Number 7 has meaning as the journey begins.

First stop Medina, as I seek out peace.

Hajj station to Bath, dress in the Ihram.

Praying at Masjid Nabawi, purity, equality for all.

A statement of intent, I commit to all.

Entry to Masjid al-Haram complex is now allowed.

Circling seven times Kaaba as I pray to God.

Sipping water from Zam Zam to keep the law.

Walk through the hills of Safa and Marwa times seven,

Where I pray seven times more.

Prayers along the way to my God,

At Mount Arafat then other sacred sites.

Kneeling down to pray to Allah, Day and night.

Sleeping the night with 5 million strong,

Then rise up to stone the devil to atone,

Shaving head for cleansing, showing respect for God.

Sacrifice lambs to feed the poor.

Onward to Mecca, back once more.

Circle Kaaba, pray to my God

Repeating Tawaf on each turn of seven and no more.

Circle Safa, Marwa then on to Mina.

On to Mecca again for more prayers to my God

Enter Makkah performing Hajj,

Before the faithful return to Mecca on seven then do a farewell Tawaf.

Author's Note

A friend made his once in a lifetime journey to Mecca last year. I wanted to write something to remember is trip. Yes it may not meet all poetic rules, but it tells of his journey.
This is one of the few times I have used someone else's photo.

Reviews

[R.L. Davenport]

We must fight for whatever path we choose. We must strive to be the best we can. Sometimes it's a higher power that can push us to excellence. Whatever it is, I believe journey, adventure, and pilgrimage are a must in this life. Thanks for the great poetry.

[Willard Wells]

Thank you Robert for your time in visiting and your comments.

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed the journey. Each belief have different goal and need. The Mecca. Would be a honorable journey. Thank you for sharing the journey with your good description. It is poetry.
Coyote

[Willard Wells]

Thank you kind sir for your time with my work for a friend. I appreciate your kind words.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Willard.

[MOON]

Wonderfully expressed, devotion and faith. Lovely write.

[Willard Wells]

thank you so much for your time and review.

[marcus]

the journey of a lifetime, nice!

[Willard Wells]

Thanks for. Reading

[Arjun Singh]

wat i likd bst was dt u didn't shy frm sharing it, at a time muslims rightly have suspicious eyes cast upon them, nd u r proud of ur detailed wrk!

[Willard Wells]

I posted because the view of Islam is all being based on group like ISL which are a radical group to me. I am hoping to bring a better understanding by posting or at least create some dialog on Islam and the truth. Thank you for your review and kind words.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A highly informative piece Willard as I had no idea what the pilgrimage to Mecca entailed. Indeed a labour of faith. How lovely that you decided to honour your friend and Islam in this way.

[Willard Wells]

When I decided to do this like you, I had no idea there would be so much information. I wanted the piece to be complete from beginning to end. I learned a great deal as like you I had no idea what it involved. In addition the misunderstanding of Islam added to my wanting to do this piece. So many in the world see the radical side of Islam and as is often the case, see them all as terrorist, which is not true. My friend came to the US from Pakistan when he was a small boy and educated in the US and then last year made his journey to Mecca. I have been highly impressed with his dedication to his religion and God. Thank you John for your time and review.

[ANTO]

While a tad voyeuristic (not in a bad sense) - I think you captured the momentous feel of the journey - the spectacle and the ritual of it and what it meant spiritually and personally to one visitor of millions. I hope your friend liked it Will. A good topic; informative writing my friend.

[Willard Wells]

My friend liked it. I had it printed on glossy photo stock as it appears here and framed it. He was very happy and smiles all around and that was my goal. I was not sure if I would get anything useable when I decided to try it. Thank you for your reading and commenting on my work.

[ANTO]

thats cool - you're a good friend Will. Fair play to you. :)

[Marie]

I think this is wonderful. This is a very complicated journty to take, and I don't wonder it is only done once in a lifetime. Such dedication is so inspiring....

[Willard Wells]

Marie, thank you so much for your kind words. Your words are always greatly valued.

[Richard🖌]

Poetically speaking, it lacks terribly, but there is no doubting the inspiring passion that virtually dances up off the page into the reader's mind, heart, and soul, and so truly beautiful and inspiring the descriptive moments of travel, feeling, and experiences of a lifetime … what an adventure and unforgettable journey!

I love it, Willard — a monumentally marvelous piece … thank you for sharing it with us! ⁓ Richard

[Willard Wells]

I knew it lacked a great deal poetically, but with the material I had this was the best I could do. I based the finished piece on the happiness on the face of the young man I wrote it for. I was inspired by his devotion to his beliefs in making this journey last year. Thank you so much for reading and giving me positive feedback on this work. I appreciate the tactfulness. Hahaha

[JayceeC]

Very good description. It is a great commemorative piece for a journey of a lifetime. The formatting is a little scrunched up and difficult to read, but the narrative was well-done.

[Willard Wells]

Well you must have been reading between post before I added some spacing. Sorry. But thank you for reading and reviewing this work. I felt good with all the information I had to put in this it came out better than expected.