This land is too small for the blood of its children, who stand on the threshold of the Resurrection in masses. Is this land really blessed or baptized

Posted By Reyazul Haque

(Not I or he. The reader will wonder what poetry
says to us in time of disaster )
Blood
and blood
and blood
in your land.

In my name and in your name
in the almond blossoms
in the light and shade
in the children's milk
in the grain of wheat
in the tin of salt,
skillful hunters hit the targets
with distinction.

Blood
and blood
and blood.

This land is too small for the blood of its children,
who stand on the threshold
of the Resurrection in masses.
Is this land really blessed or baptized

in blood
and blood
and blood,

which neither prayer nor sand dries.
There is not enough justice
in the pages of the holy book
to rejoice martyrs as they walk free above the clouds.

Blood by day,
blood in the dark,
blood in words.

From ‘Counterpoint’ (For Edward W. Said) - Mahmoud Darwish