Before the occupation

Tawfiq Zaiyyad On my window sill roses used to grow, And I always dreamt of a better tomorrow: Grape vines, figs and olives used to flourish Everywhere in the homeland that I did cherish; My house used to bathe in the beams of the sun, Full of mirth, joy, laughter, life and fun. And, with my loved ones, I used to dream Of bread for all, of a warm sun - beam. But that was before the foreign invaders, The thugs and hordes of Zionist intruders Came like locusts descending on my land, With blood - stained weapons of every brand, And carried out large - scale devastation, Plaguing Palestine with their dark occupation!