XXXVI from The Arab Apocalypse

In the dark irritation of the eyes there is a snake hiding

In the exhalations of Americans there is a crumbling empire

In the foul waters of the rivers there are Palestinians

OUT OUT of its borders pain has a leash on its neck

In the wheat stalks there are insects vaccinated against bread

In the Arabian boats there are sharks shaken with laughter

In the camel’s belly there are blind highways

OUT OUT of TIME there is spring’s shattered hope

In the deluge on our plains there are no rains but stones

Copyright Credit: Etel Adnan, “XXXVI” from The Arab Apocalypse. Copyright © 1989 by Etel Adnan. Reprinted by permission of Post-Apollo Press.
Source: The Arab Apocalypse (The Post-Apollo Press, 1989)