A Poem from Arabic: E-Mail Message from Obama … to All Arab Peoples and Rulers: Al Wahdawi, Yemen
In the category of foreign press exotica, Arabic poems about American politics rank pretty high. They are very hard to translate – but every so often the people of WORLDMEETS.US come across one and bring it to our readers.
Written by Egyptian poet Ahmed Matar for the Yemen newpaper Al Wahdawi, this poem uses the election of Barack Obama and what Arabs expect from him as a foil to issue some very harsh commentary on Arab society and culture.
Matar begins this way:
From Obama …
To All the Arab peoples and rulers
Rapping with your pans on my door
Making excessive demands of me and driving me crazy
(Hey Obama, do this …
Hey Obama, leave this …
Shower us with coolness and peace
Hey Obama.
Save a belt for the naked!
Hey Obama.
Provide a cup for the baths! [reference to Turkish baths popular in Egypt]
Hey Obama.
Tailor pajamas for the ants!
Hey Obama …)
By Ahmed Matar, Poet
Translated By Jenny Oliver and Nicolas Dagher
December 1, 2008
Yemen – Al Wahdawi – Original Article (Arabic)
From Obama …
To All the Arab peoples and rulers
Rapping with your pans on my door
Making excessive demands of me and driving me crazy
(Hey Obama, do this …
Hey Obama, leave this …
Bath us with cool temperatures and peace
Hey Obama.
Spare a belt for the naked!
Hey Obama.
Provide a cup for the baths! [reference to Turkish baths popular in Egypt]
Hey Obama.
Tailor pajamas for the ants!
Hey Obama …)
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