On this Land

On this land, is what makes life worth living:

the return of April, the smell of bread

at dawn, a woman's opinions on men, the writings of Aeschylus, love's

beginning, moss on stone, mothers standing on the string of a flute,

and the invaders' fear of memories.

On this land, is what makes life worth living:

the end of September, a lady leaving

her forties full of apricots, the hour of sun in prison, clouds becoming

a swarm of creatures, the chants of a nation that faces its demise

smiling, and the tyrannies' fear of songs.

On this land, is what makes life worth living:

on this land is the lady of the land, the mother

of beginnings and endings. She was named Palestine. Still

named Palestine. My lady, I am worthy, because you are my lady,

I am worthy of life.