"As you pay your water bill, think of others (those who are nursed by clouds)"
Women by the Sea (1885–1897) by Jan Toorop. Original from The Rijksmuseum.
Think of Others
by Mahmoud Darwish
As you prepare your breakfast, think of others
(do not forget the pigeon’s food).
As you wage your wars, think of others
(do not forget those who seek peace).
As you pay your water bill, think of others
(those who are nursed by clouds).
As you return home, to your home, think of others
(do not forget the people of the camps).
As you sleep and count the stars, think of others
(those who have nowhere to sleep).
As you express yourself in metaphor, think of others
(those who have lost the right to speak).
As you think of others far away, think of yourself
(say: If only I were a candle in the dark).
Written by Mahmoud Darwish (1941-2008), 2005, Translated by Mohammed Shaheen in 2009
Creative Invitation
Make a list of three others you are thinking of. Then reach out and share your gratitude with them. See what other things happen as a result.
Explore the UNRWA Photo Shelter: https://unrwa.photoshelter.com/index
Draw or write in response to an image there.
What a beautiful poem. How did you find it?