Think of Others

by Amalia

As you prepare your breakfast, think of others
Don’t forget to feed the pigeons.

As you conduct your wars, think of others
Don’t forget those who want peace.

As you pay your water bill, think of others
Think of those who have only the clouds to drink from.

As you go home, your own home, think of others
Don’t forget those who live in tents.

As you sleep and count the planets, think of others
There are people who have no place to sleep.

As you liberate yourself with metaphors, think of others
Those who have lost their right to speak.

As you think of distant others
Think of yourself and say
I wish I were a candle in the darkness

— Mahmoud Darwish, a Palestinian poet