You will remain an example
I will walk with all walking people
And no
I will not stand still
Just to watch the passers by
This is my Homeland
In which
I have
A palm tree
A drop in a cloud
And a grave to protect me
This is more beautiful
Than all cities of fog
And cities which
Do not recognise me
My master:
I would like to have power
Even for one day
To build the “republic of feelings.”
(Translated by Ghias al-Jundi)
*Tal al-Mallouhi is a young poet who was only 19 years old when she was arrested in her home city of Homs more than two years ago, in December 2009. She was sentenced to five years in prison in February 2011, convicted of spying for a foreign country. She is still in prison, with little access to her family – a situation aggravated by the recent conflict. For more on her case read this PEN alert. http://www.englishpen.org/syria-blogger-and-poet-sentenced/
Poets are almost always the first to be incarcerated by vindictive regimes – perhaps because they speak unpalatable truths to power and do so with true human sensitivity and dignity. I wish this brave young woman, Tal al-Mallouhi, every good thing and hope she receives her freedom soon. Thank you, Helen, for posting this lovely poem.
Harry Owen