WEBVTT

00:00:00.369 --> 00:00:08.662
Damascene Poem
Nizar Qabbani

00:00:09.921 --> 00:00:12.108
This is Damascus

00:00:13.756 --> 00:00:21.418
This is Damascus
And this is a glass of spirit (comfort)

00:00:22.606 --> 00:00:30.278
I am in love – but I am aware of the fact
That certain kinds of love
Can slaughter you in wrath

00:00:31.069 --> 00:00:43.517
I am a Damascene if you dissect me into halves
You will have but grapes and apples falling in your path

00:00:44.521 --> 00:00:53.331
I am a Damascene if you dissect me into halves
You will have but grapes and apples falling in your path

00:00:53.902 --> 00:01:03.931
Open my veins with scalpels
Hear ancestral chants

00:01:04.348 --> 00:01:14.125
If heart transplants can 
Cure some of the passionate
Why does mine stay torn in half then?

00:01:42.379 --> 00:01:57.413
Minarets crying tears of absence when hugging me
And like trees their souls speak

00:01:58.025 --> 00:02:07.620
For civil rights to live amongst tiers of jasmine
As house cats take naps relaxing

00:02:07.887 --> 00:02:18.829
Coffee grinders crackling
Childhood reminders – back
How can I forget?

00:02:19.090 --> 00:02:22.526
When my reaction to cardamoms’ strong fragrance 
yet and still finds attraction

00:02:22.971 --> 00:02:32.523
As proud fathers wait
For a sweet daughter’s face

00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:38.801
I am asking
If my roots, heart and language are here

00:02:38.962 --> 00:02:45.367
How am I supposed to make myself any more clear?
Is clarification necessary
With love so dear?

00:02:50.577 --> 00:02:58.302
I am asking
If my roots, heart and language are here

00:02:58.575 --> 00:03:02.985
How am I supposed to make myself any more clear?
Is clarification necessary
With love so dear?

00:03:03.392 --> 00:03:13.600
How many Damascene bracelets were
Sold for this poetry here?

00:03:18.225 --> 00:03:34.536
Apologising to the willow
Wondering if my little siblings can hear

00:03:36.813 --> 00:03:48.258
My parts have been scattered across coasts of years
Lanterns on horizons floating

00:03:48.733 --> 00:03:58.787
Tossed around in shore-less oceans
Only to be haunted down by devils and demonic ghosts

00:03:59.233 --> 00:04:09.931
I battle ugliness with my poetry and prose
Until nawar and beauty open to them

00:04:10.231 --> 00:04:22.298
Identity of Arabness resembling a widow though
Is there no happiness for the rest of us history books can show?

00:04:22.566 --> 00:04:33.007
What will remain of poetry’s originality if so
Many liars and deceivers get to have complete control?

00:04:33.262 --> 00:04:41.413
How are we ever going to write a verse
With locks over our mouths?
And when killers still approach?

00:04:41.625 --> 00:04:54.536
I bore the burden of my words upon my back until I grieved
What shall remain of poetry when it is finally relieved?

00:04:54.875 --> 00:05:04.652
Damascene Poem
Nizar Qabbani