Mother, Your Diamond Heart

By Loay Taha Hussein

Translated by Lina Hamadeh

Whispers and knocks

At my spirit’s door

Awakened my sleep

Dressed in my longing gown

And from its yearning window

I looked and found you,

You my mother

Placing your fingers

On my feelings’ latch

Carrying my favorite roses

Wearing your elegant smile

And your grief hanging as pendant

On your diamond heart

By God, mother, how beautiful was meeting you

How it cures my loneliness

And consoles my feelings

All my longing to you, “Samar”