ODE: "GRATEFUL O ALLAH FOR SURVIVAL" BY TIMILEHIN SAHEED OLUROTIMI

O Allah, whose mercy lights my way,

Who saved my soul that fateful day 

When crash and darkness filled the air,

Your hand upheld me through despair

Three weeks ago, death brushed my face,

Yet You wrapped me in Your saving grace

Between the crash, the cry, the fall -

It was Your hand that held it all

I learned that strength is not my own,

That flesh is fragile, bone is bone;

That every breath, each beating line,

Is grace - for thanks, not wine and dine

I learned that time is but a thread,

That life is light, by mercy led;

That gratitude must shape my thoughts each day,

And heedlessness must surely fade away

For pain has carved into my soul

A map that points to the Eternal goal;

And weakness taught me how to see

The strength that flows when You're with me

A wounded head and nerves aflame,

Weakness echoing through my frame 

Yet through each ache, Your nearness came,

A healing whisper of Your Name

You taught me life is but a breath,

A borrowed span sequel to death;

That every dawn, each simple grace,

Is love descending from Your face

And now I rise, restored to stand,

Guided gently by Your hand;

Today, I walk back through the door

Of work and purpose held before

What joy to see my friends again!

Their smiles a balm to soothe the pain;

A sign that love, through trial and fear,

Still blossoms when Your light is near

All praise to You, Allah, my Guide -

Who kept me living, kept me tied

To hope, to service, to the true;

My grateful heart returns to You

Alhamdulillāh for every breath; 

For life reclaimed from near-to-death

ALHAMDULILLAH- I SURVIVED

TIMILEHIN SAHEED OLUROTIMI

-Nigeria

This poem is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and reflection on survival and faith. The speaker, Timehin Saheed Olurotimi, recounts a near-death experience in a crash three weeks prior, emphasizing Allah's mercy and intervention in saving their life. The poem explores themes of fragility, gratitude, and the realization that life is a gift and a test. Through pain and weakness, the speaker finds strength in Allah's presence and guidance. The tone is one of sincere thankfulness, with the speaker acknowledging Allah's love and care in every aspect of their life. The poem's message is universal, encouraging readers to appreciate life's preciousness and Allah's mercy.