[Translated by Rana Bitar and Robert Bensen]

I asked for some sunshine
The policeman said,
Stand in line, mister
I asked for some ink to write my name
They said,
Stand in line
I asked for a book to read
The man in the military uniform screamed,
If you want education, you should read the party propaganda
and the constitution
I asked for a permission to meet my woman
They answered, meeting women is difficult
and lovers
should not get frustrated from standing in line
I asked for a permission to have a child
The general said, laughing
Having kids is important
Stand in the line for another year
I asked to see the face of God
One of the religious men screamed, Why?
I said,
Because I am oppressed
So he pointed with his finger
and I understood that there was a line for the oppressed too
God, I wish to meet you; don’t leave me
like a stray dog standing in line
Since I came to this world
I have been planted, standing in lines
My legs are frozen in the snow
and my soul is like scattered leaves
waiting for a homeland that doesn’t come
and a warm seaside and birds
I don’t know how to recite poetry
for every place I go, a machete follows me
All the papers are booby-trapped
All the pencils are booby-trapped
All the breasts are booby-trapped
And the bed of love
requires a passport
God,
This nation is crouching between water and water
sad like a broken sword
God,
the horizon is gray
If you want to help me, turn me to a bird
For I long for a spot of light
God, if you want to help me
turn me to a bird

Photo by tramster from Adobe Stock