I will sing for hope

I still carry in the darkness of my soul

Remnants of purity

There is still a longing in my veins

For poetry and song

My heart still beats faster

When it sees from afar

The archipelago of palm trees

And when the setting sun visits it

And begins to sing its melancholy tune

For the sun of love to gather its golden shawl and depart

My melody still sings for life.

***

I still love the chatter of birds

And the childhood of the brook and the smile of the moon

Despite the pain, I still carry in my soul

Remnants of light

I will dance despite the oppression and dream of justice

I will carry in the darkness my sad guitar

And play from the depths of my heart

A warm, delicate tune

And sing for hope.

Between My Heart and Me

You ask me, my heart:

What is love?

What is the secret of a feeling that rages between my ribs

Igniting the veins of my soul with happiness?

I say:

Love is the spirit’s elevation over the body

Love is a ray of hope that shines in the darkness of life

Love is nightingales singing

Melodies pulsating with ecstasy

Morning breezes

The lily is freed from its mouth

Love is life and prayer

Love is existence and eternity

Love is a guarantee and a safety

Do you know, my heart, the meaning of love now?

Hanaan Abdelkader Ashour

Egyptian poet and novelist, editorial consultant at the Poets’ Pub website. She writes short stories, articles, and children’s literature. She is a visual artist who has participated in international exhibitions. She has published six poetry books, a short story book, and a novel. For children, she has published a poetry book, a collection of short stories, and a poetry play. She has a YouTube channel dedicated to children.