Thinking of–and aching for–others around the world as I read and re-read these words by the magnificent Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish (1942-2008).
“Think of Others”
As you prepare your breakfast, think of others
(do not forget the pigeon’s food).
As you wage your wars, think of others
(do not forget those who seek peace).
As you pay your water bill, think of others
(those who are nursed by clouds).
As you return home, to your home, think of others
(do not forget the people of the camps).
As you sleep and count the stars, think of others
(those who have nowhere to sleep).
As you express yourself in metaphor, think of others
(those who have lost the right to speak).
As you think of others far away, think of yourself
(say: If only I were a candle in the dark).
Natalie – what a powerful and needed message in this turbulent time. Thank you, it relieved a bit of the shadow that hangs over me as I think about the larger world…
Favorite line: As you express yourself in metaphor, think of others
(those who have lost the right to speak).
Reminds one of how some people have achieved excellence in language and transcended their time.. .while others struggle to articulate, to speak up fearlessly.
Natalie, I just wanted to say: thank you for the poems you share! They are points of brightness—you’re doing a good thing here.
Thanks, Sonja! 🙂