Saladin Poem by Samima ShahFaheem

A name well-known to West
And celebrated pride for East
Great warrior named Saladin
Was nemesis for crusades, world agrees

Slim figured and dark complexioned
High endurance and melancholic expressions
Fond of polo and master of chess
Historied tolerance and farsightedness

Islam was in oblivion, and
Muslims disarrayed
United them, in one leadership
were brothers of Syria and Egypt

Preferred simple living to palaces
Was a unique commander and strategist
Chivalrous to a fault
Trait so famous, even enemies didn't miss

A veteran of war when recaptured Jerusalem
Spills no blood, no revenge whatsoever
Sovereigns always know responsibilities
Show high restraints however

At Acre he amazes with more colors
Like forgiving ‘the lion heart's' dark offence
Sending a horse in battlefield
Was a General of high morals, truly immense.

Though considered death knell for Christianity
He showed prime respect and gallantry
Never attacked a Church or destroyed temple
To Women and children, showed supreme chivalry

Its besieged Castle of Aleppo
Or the Castle of Kerak
Kindness is Incomparable
Principles high, not common or generic

Gave Islam its lost height
And long awaited focal point
Made institutions for common man
His standards and virtue never disappoint

A man of Greatness
With Splendor and Distinction
Nothing low, and petty about him
Feels like a warrior of fiction

Commanders do win clashes and wars
Some completely, others in parts
Spilling blood can never what Gallantry starts
Greatness lies in winning battles along with hearts