The minaret stands oriental

Pointed graceful elegant 

Its speaker fills the air

With praise of Allah at prescribed

Times throughout the day

Across the street the bell tower

Stands in Gothic splendour 

 Housing bells large and small

That peal a call to praise God

At predicted times and occasions

Throughout the day 

Each a clarion sound unique 

To itself and alien to the

The formless tapestry of

Chaotic sounds soaking

The neighbourhood 

Each a sharp reminder 

Unwarranted and unwanted

Poignant and necessary 

In a world intentionally asleep

To the need to give and receive 

Thanks