Mahmoud Darwish
If you find yourself alone, tell yourself: Exile has altered its features… Wasn't Abu Tammam afflicted before you when he met himself: 'You are not you and home is not home…' Things carry your patriotic feelings for you: A wild flower grows in your deserted corner, a sparrow pecks the letter 'H' of your name into the broken bark of a fig tree and a bee stings your outstretched hand as you reach for the goose down on the other side of that fence. And as for you: The mirror has let you down, you…and not you, say: 'Where have I left my face? ' You search beyond everyday things for your feelings, a happiness that cries and a disappointment that chuckles… Have you found yourself now? Tell yourself: I found myself alone, missing two moons, but home is home.