Classic Poem

You see
we haven't changed that much
perhaps not at all
our words are still
strong, clear
the way we Bedouins talk
long embraces
asking after family and herds
laughing thunderously
the scent of old wood
stored in barns
still breathes from our clothes.


you see
we haven't changed that much
perhaps not at all
we still squat on the earth
washlines still block
the doors to our houses
our children covered with dust
while in the evenings over mint tea
we exchange gossip
that refreshes
we still avenge our honor
our blood
has not changed to water
we live
as if still living in al-Mafraq
or Salt, Karak or Ramtha
as if we hadn't crossed
northern borders
to big cities and coasts
where cruel war rages
and a great sea roars
where strangers clutch at each other's shirtcollars, from balconies
shoot bullets through washlines