A small poem by Saniya Salih

by qisasukhra

A small poem from Syrian poet Saniya Salih‘s 1970 collection حبر الإعدام [Execution Ink]. Salih died in her 50s after a lifetime of illness. An extraordinary and pioneering poet in her own right, the shadow cast by her marriage to Muhammad Al Maghout has meant she is less read than she should be. Her later poems addressing her relationship with their two daughters, Sham and Sulafa, written as her health declined, are amazing. Thanks to Iman Mersal for introducing me to her work properly.

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Some thing

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What do you do in time of war?

…….I flee

…….I sing like a crow

…….I sicken

…….I die maybe

And you?

…….I cling

……………..closer and closer to those I love.

 

 

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