The Glowing Box

As you prepare your breakfast, think of others

[Don't forget the pigeons' grain]

As you wage your wars, think of others

[Don't forget those who seek peace]

As you pay your water bill, think of others

[Who suckle the clouds]

As you return to your home, your house, think of others

[Don't forget the tent people]

As you sleep and count the stars, think of others

[There are those who found no space for sleep]

As you free yourself with metaphors, think of others

[Who lost their right to speech]

And as you think of distant others, think of yourself

[Say: Would that I were a candle in the darkness]

Mahmoud Darwish