Arlene BialaYa'aburnee (Arabic): "You bury me." It's a declaration of one's hope that they'll die before another person, because of how difficult it would be to live without them. no harana
no serenade no let me call you sweetheart no dahil sa yo no courting you no guitar strum of my nervous fingers no new moon chance no smiling neighbors gathering near no wavering voice in the first verse no you standing at the window laughing softly, shaking your head whispering to your sister beside you how you were hoping it would be me no stopping now, i've already started no way, it's too late, your smile locks me in no first kiss at the barrio fiesta after your parents leave for home no telling you that i love you like no other no you teasing i am so old fashioned living the ancient ways of love songs no you answering my call of your name after the winds die, after the waters recede no finding a note. no finding your body. no you standing in deep mud, shaking no you suddenly running toward me no you whispering to me how you always pray that you will die before i die, because the suffering would be unbearable. no. i refuse to leave my home. i want to stay here by the sea listen to you whisper, bury me you bury me. Originally published in Red Wheelbarrow, December 2013. |
