Arab Eyes

(rework of an earlier poem)

My children both have Arab eyes
Say min fadlak and tekrum
They know of places far and wide
And politics broad spectrum

My children both have Arab eyes
That seek across false borders
That question textbooks’ specious lies
And wonder at world order

My children both have Arab eyes
That cry with childhood’s sorrows
They gaze with hope at common skies
And conjure fair tomorrows
.
.
(“Min fadlak” and “tekrum” mean “please” and “you’re welcome” in Arabic…and just fyi… “thank you” is “shukran”)