Rome is skin to us as if imposed fate
Its name is branded on our backs yet
As prisoners' numbers and scourges that's Rome
Rome dismantles our brands under her want
Unarmed slaves smashed the royal court
Babylon is around our neck,
As branded returning captive prisoners
Attires of tyrant were changed entirely
That he was survived after death.
If they still believe on him, he won't die
We died and lived but the way is the same
Africa at our dancing party is as drum and naked fire
It is as songstress desire nearby the smock of her fire
One day I played pipe fluently of fallen trunks.
I let the snake dancing until sleep
And I threw its canine away
Africa and Asia then shall meet at a new dance.
Mahmoud Darwish