The following is an archived copy of a message sent to a Discussion List run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
Views expressed in this archived message are those of the author, not of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
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[ Presenting plain-text part of multi-format email ] Dear all, There has been a lot of anguish on this list recently and better psychologists and diplomats than I have input wisdom and healing. So many have put in such tireless time and energy in ideas, initiatives and drawn on CASI's tireless work for the knowledge and inspiration which has enabled them. Whilst our pain and anger can be nothing compared to that of the people of Iraq (with exceptions we know of) 'liberated from civilisation' as Ghazwan put so eloquently, I think in all of us somewhere there has been the human, fallible, predictable reaction of wishing to lash out at administrations seemingly out of control and unaccountable to anyone. Unable to do that, one lashes out to those nearest, as with even small disasters. I found this, which for me is hardly bearable - it is by a Palestinian poet and activist, but it could be for the hurt throughout the Arab world. It reminds what the priorities must remain, justice, peace and a return to normality and self determination. And for all our pain and anger, how lucky we are, warmest, f. To The Martyr In my dreams, you walk backwards Into life A swimmer against the current of the galaxies. The flower uncurls from its withering, The olive casts its shadow once more On a field unravished, And the house still stands. All that was torn to bits fragmented in your death Flows into seamless beauty, Again your mouth is whole, The bruises darken into space And light is reborn. Oh, if I could but reach youŠ Recover the steps, Enter into the map, Become one with the dream. The dream has taken me hostage, And yet here I remain A candle without flame, A rhythm without a heart. I wake To embrace the light, But endless space unwinds between us, And I fear I might lose my place In the story. Every distant wall bears The imprint of your hand, Every tombstone bears Your name Every battle cry Your voice If I could but cross the lineŠ I can remain true to you only If my courage can run the distance Light the flame Consume the shadow And sink the burden of fear In the unfathomable Reaches of the unfulfilled. There, somewhere In the silence beyond death All things become ------ Visions are distilled into truth And love relinquishes all boundaries. By: Nabila Harb _______________________________________________ Sent via the discussion list of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq. To unsubscribe, visit http://lists.casi.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/casi-discuss To contact the list manager, email casi-discuss-admin@lists.casi.org.uk All postings are archived on CASI's website: http://www.casi.org.uk