My mother had a habit, when times were bad, for example when dad had lost his job, of uttering the phrase: “God is good!”, an expression of her Christian faith and hope. The expression: “Thank God for that!”, is an everyday one of gratitude, as of course is “goodbye”, derived from “God be with you”; a similarly used Arabic phrase forms the title of my sonnet.

My republican instincts lead me to disapprove of the British honours system as it exists; however, a notable exception, is my recommendation, that our hero, Councillor Ali, should be eligible for such an honour; a riposte, if nothing else, to the bigots who have so maligned him and others in their ignorant Islamophobia.

Oyez, oyez, pray, hear this tale I tell,

Of chivalry upon Leeds’ Harehills Lane,

When counsellor wise foiled riotous ne’er-do-wells,

True Briton he, let all proclaim his fame!

With heart of oak and nerves of solid steel,

He stood between hotheads and raging fire,

Protecting citizens from danger real,

All England, Councillor Ali should inspire.

Aye, sing the praises of yon gallant soul,

Maligned by rogues of brutish ignorance.

With pride, performed he well, his civic rôle:

What’s right from wrong? he taught the difference.

Brave Chevalier, let his fame spread afar,

Arise, Sir Ali, Alahu Akbar!

Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh 1st January 2025