The sketch was done when
we were both much younger
friends commented on the uncanny
accuracy i achieved his eyes clear and
ready to receive Light his hair
curled and soft on his neck before
it became marred with blood
lips moist full and ripe
to speak the Word he would soon be given

now i am old and they bless
my old friend as The Last Prophet
it is no longer possible by Law
to depict him in any way

still i have this early sketch
friends said it was an accurate likeness
i can never show it to anyone now
Followers would destroy both it and me
what shall become of it?

i will roll it carefully
wrap it in tiraz cloth
appeal to the King of Cockroaches
O Kabi:kaj do not eat this paper
and seal it in a sturdy Meccan urn

perhaps one day after i have entered Paradise
someone will find it
in a more generous time
when it is no longer forbidden
to gaze upon His image.