“You Will Remain an Example” by Tal Al-Mallouhi for Day of the Imprisoned Writer 15/11/2019

You will remain an example

(To Gandhi)
 
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”.

You Will Remain an Example is © Tal Al-Mallouhi, imprisoned in Syria (2011-2013, from 2013 to the present her status is categorised as ‘unknown’) translated from the Arabic by Ghias Aljundi.