Farisa: Studying Stones

Against a backdrop of global trouble,

Often narrowing to a pitting between

East and West, Islam and non-Islam,

It is heartening to see an image

Of Innocence and Friendship,

Between two peoples of contrasting

Looks and Beliefs;

A picture of sangfroid and sanctity,

Of hallowed halls, framed flora and civil society.

Against a backdrop of western onslaught,

From mobile phones to jeans to football

To videos to English, Sir Launcelot - the lot,

It is gratifying to note the differentiating

Muslim girl's headcover sprouting,

All over campuses in western lands,

And not just the deserts of Iraq or Iran.

While a Palestinian youth

Is likely to see a piece of rock as a symbol

Of David's slingshot,

To bring down the Zionist plot,

However futile, ironic, distraught;

Or a rain of meteorites

Dropped by feathered flights,

Relying on repetitive gestures,

Empty rhetoric and hollow symbols,

As a last resort, while

The Palestinian state lie

In shambles; Farisa

Represents an alternative icon,

A lucky Malaysian Muslim girl,

Enabled to see Earth's swirl -

As the Stars and Stripes unfurl -

In sticks and stones,

Maple leaves and deciduous cones.