Promises from the storm

Promises from the storm

Mohmud Darwish So let it be. I have to refuse death, To burn the tears of the bleeding songs, To denude the olive trees Of all fake branches. If I am singing to joy Beyond the eyelids of frightened eyes That is because the Storm Promised me wine, New toasts And rainbows; And because the storm Swept away the song of stupid birds And artificial branches From the trunks of standing trees. So let it be. I have to be broud Of you wound of the sity, O tableau of lightning In our sad nights. The street frowns at my face But you protect me from the shadow and grudging looks. I shall sing to joy Beyond the eyelids of frightened eyes, Since the storm has blown in my homeland And promised me wine and rainbows. (Akhir al-layl Nahar,Damascus 1968.)  Zajel / An-Najah National University