All In Vain

Every night,

I chase sleep

As if I were a ferocious lion

And it was the humble friendly deer.

However, the closer I get 

The more the distance becomes greater

As if I were lost in the vast universe looking for a dead-light star and the moon laughs at me,

But all in vain.

I search for sleep

As if I were looking for my lost beloved inside a black hole,

But all in vain.

I beseech sleep

As if I were thirsty

Lost in an arid desert 

And I think the scorching wavering heat is the cold lake,

But all in vain. 

I beg to sleep

As if it were an affluent arrogant man

And I were a destitute poor soul

Nonetheless, he is so mean

And I’m extremely needy,

But all in vain.

Please let my eyes embrace you just  for a once

As my fatigued body 

Anchors on your banks.

Palestinian poet, activist, teacher

Awarded Naji Naaman literary award, 2025