Translated Poems

OH GOOD DIGILA RIVER (1-7)
by Mohammed Mehdi Al Jwaheri
translated by Martha J. Rogus and Ali Kareem Khudhir

Ya, grove and river - you said hello to me before

Ya, mother grove - city of dates

Ya, I am thirsty and afraid - but know you will protect me 

Ya, virgin soil bird, salt and river - I have to stay away from you

Ya, but in mind I stay awhile - and you with me

Ya, time and time agian - I go to the spring, but none is like you

Ya, your scent remains good - and challenges time

Ya, sheep move with the wind - and river so do you

Ya, I wanted a white sail, very cheap - to shroud and protect me

Ya, because I wanted to die - you protected me from death

Ya, people said you will cover and protect me - and save me from the grave