Do you see
Do you see, my friend?
The dead want to kiss you
They want to breathe through you
They want to dance with your feet
They want to eat and to sleep
And to drink deep of love again
They sit at your table
They nervously laugh while you talk
They ask:
Do you remember me?
Did you really love me?
Make me real again
They ask
Make me see again
My body has disappeared
Under the rubble
My beautiful black hair
Was turned to ash by their bombs
My proud breasts were ripped apart
By their bullets of blind hate
My womb was defiled
By their vengeance
By their murderous lies
Do you see me still beloved?
Without a head
Without eyes
Without hands
Or feet
I am so filled with love for you
My body is the land
My soul
Ababil
Flies out of your mouth
When you cry my name
My soul
Ababil
Sits on your shoulder
Comforting your pain
Do you see me beloved?
I will never leave you beloved
Do not flee this land
Do not run from the invader
Stand
Stand and embrace me
Palestine is yours
Dan Corjescu teaches at the University of Tübingen’s “Studium Professionale” Program
