WEBVTT

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Thank you, Isabel, for
the beautiful introduction

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and for your patience with me.

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And, of course,
I'd like to thank

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the organizers, the Poetry
Center and the Center

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for Near Eastern Studies,
for the invitation.

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It's always a pleasure.

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We writers always complain about
how horrible it is to write.

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This is the good part
about the writer's life,

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is to share it with you.

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I will start by reading
a poem that's not mine,

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actually, but by the
Palestinian poet Mahmoud

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Darwish, who died about 15
months ago, as a gesture.

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It is entitled,
"Think of Others."

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And I translated
it into English.

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As you prepare your
breakfast, think of others.

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Do not forget what doves eat.

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As you wage your
wars, think of others.

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Do not forget those
who seek peace.

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As you pay the water bill,
think of others, those

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who are breastfed by clouds.

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As you return home, your
home, think of others.

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Do not forget those
who live in tents.

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As you sleep, and count
the stars, think of others.

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There are those who cannot
find space to sleep.

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As you free yourself
with metaphors,

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think of others, those who
lost their right to speak.

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As you think of distant others,
think of yourself, and say,

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I wish I were a candle
in the darkness.