Rallying Cry Heard In Parts Of Egypt (Based Upon a Poem)

[glinda]

by Tunisian poet Abo Al Qassim Al Shabbi‘s (1909-1934) “To the Tyrants of the World”

Hey you, the unfair tyrants…
You the lovers of the darkness…
You the enemies of life…
You’ve made fun of innocent people’s wounds; and your palm covered with their blood
You kept walking while you were deforming the charm of existence and growing seeds of sadness in their land

Wait, don’t let the spring, the clearness of the sky and the shine of the morning light fool you…
Because the darkness, the thunder rumble and the blowing of the wind are coming toward you from the horizon
Beware because there is a fire underneath the ash

Who grows thorns will reap wounds
You’ve taken off heads of people and the flowers of hope; and watered the cure of the sand with blood and tears until it was drunk
The blood’s river will sweep you away and you will be burned by the fiery storm.

[scarletwoman]

1. I just heard someone recite that on NPR this afternoon (on the BBC news, I think?).

I was awestruck by the end and wished I had listened more closely from the beginning. I'm so grateful you've posted it!

Thank you! :hug:

[scarletwoman]

2. This is such an amazing poem -- kick so more people will see it! (nt)