Humiliated+in+the+Shackles

"Humiliated in the Shackles" by Sami al Haj, Prisoner at Guantanamo Bay

When I heard pigeons cooing in the trees, Hot tears covered my face.

When the lark chirped, my thoughts composed A message for my son.

Mohammad, I am afflicted. In my despair, I have no one but Allah for comfort.

The oppressors are playing with me, As they move freely about the world.

They ask me to spy on my countrymen, Claiming it would be a good deed.

They offer me money and land, And freedom to go where I please.

Their temptations seize My attention like the lightening in the sky.

But their gift is an evil snake, Carrying hypocrisy in its mouth like venom.

They have monuments to liberty And freedom of opinion, which is well and good.

But I explained to them that Architecture is not justice.

America, you ride on the backs of orphans, And terrorize them daily.

Bush, beware. The world recognizes an arrogant liar.

To Allah I direct my grievance and my tears. I am homesick and oppressed.

Mohammad, do not forget me. Support the cause of your father, a God-fearing man.

I was humiliated in the shackles. How can I now compose verses? How can I now write? After the shackles and the nights and the suffering and the tears, How can I write poetry?

My soul is like a roiling sea, stirred by anguish, Violent with passion.

I am captive, but the crimes are my captors'. I am overwhelmed with apprehension.

Lord, unite me with my son Mohammad. Lord, grant success to the righteous.