On the Trunk of an Olive Tree

On the Trunk of an Olive Tree

Tawfiq Zaiyyad I shall engrave, on an olive tree, The sighs and secrets of my tragedy: I shall draw the location of my village, The victim of destruction and pillage; And the number of each piece of land That was usurped, and mark it with a brand. My inscription shall not be wasted, For every bitterness that I've tasted Shall be eliminated hi the near future By the sweetness of the coming rapture! My homeland survived a thousand conquerors, Foreign invaders, intruders and plunderers; And despite the death, adversity and pain, With love and liberty we shall rise again! I shall engrave, on an olive tree, The sighs and secrets of my tragedy: I shall draw the location of my village, The victim of destruction and pillage; And the number of each piece of land That was usurped, and mark it with a brand. My inscription shall not be wasted, For every bitterness that I've tasted Shall be eliminated hi the near future By the sweetness of the coming rapture! My homeland survived a thousand conquerors, Foreign invaders, intruders and plunderers; And despite the death, adversity and pain, With love and liberty we shall rise again! Zajel / An-Najah National University