March – April, 2024

Intentions, preparations, an accepted call, circumambulating the Kaaba, seven rounds filled with prayer, dhikr, and private conversations, personal space invaded, your face is met by a praising, sweaty arm, interruptions, distractions persistent, focused nonetheless, refreshed by a dose of Zamzam water (skipped during Ramadan), an on-going journey, mirroring the historical trek between Safa and Marwa, a significant reminder of the past, modernised by the cold, hard floors, soothing under the soles of your feet, a contrast to the previously visible, hot, sandy, mountain floor, in search of an essential need, motivated by faith, a reflection of current motives, the image slightly altered, the surface like that of water, praying for acceptance, craving future revisits prior to leaving, incomplete, incorrect, or forgotten prayers, unsure numbers, maybe next time, despite our great efforts, perfection is unattainable, capable of efforts, strategies, practice, improvements and reminders, even so, human nature inevitably fails us, imperfects us, crafted so, perfectly imperfect, necessary, strengthening, enabling growth, creating the required space to fulfil our individualised purpose.