The Twentieth Century

The Twentieth Century

Samih Al-Qassem I never knew hatred in the past But a ready to kill spear I now hold fast To face the dragon To be the Elijah of the race. In the past; but that was in the past, An open house I had for one and all. But one morning, I awoke To find flour stolen, child stabbed, and wife choked. I recognized my treacherous guests. I planted my garden with mines, daggers, and the rest. By this dagger I swear, None of them shall pass this threshold again. I never knew hatred in the past, But in the Twentieth Century I have learnt the art.   Zajel / An-Najah National University