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.
