Take a look within

What your heart reaches for – what is your real goal

The tenderness of nature, the beauty and the wealth

The chances at your fingertips to rise above yourself

Listen to each empty word, each selfish act and guile

Ponder on the meanings of the words that from you fly

Think about the steps you take and where they lead you to

Wander at the chances that He has given you

Remember that each step you take brings you closer to your death

Take note that this Ramadan may be the last that knows your breath

Don’t think that just because you’re young you have lots and lots of time

You never know when your time is up – you may fall in your prime

So start from now to take a look and see how things are moving

Your heart’s the center and the spring board of your being

So keep it clean from sin and vice and make the effort that you ought

And lift it far from this world’s price that can render your work as naught

And keep in mind that the One who made all that you are

Is ever close and ever ready to respond at any hour

You’re never alone, never helpless even though you cry

He is just a prayer away – all you have to do is try

Selma A. Cook is an Aussie Muslim writer who lives and works in Egypt.  She has written a number of books including: Buried Treasure (An Islamic novel for teenagers), The Light of Submission (Islamic Poetry). She has also edited and revised many Islamic books. She can be contacted at: youth_campaign@iolteam.com.