I am the Arab. I am brave on my path.
I am the one whose sun has shone over the West.
If I erupt like a volcano, take heed of my wrath.

My deeds are stories that awaken courage,
Their titles inscribed by history itself.

Generous by nature, loyal and selfless,
Courageous in danger, patient in trials,
Good-hearted and kind—I am naturally so.

I am Arab—so stand before me,
O you who asked about my lineage!

I am revolutionary,
I am from Jerusalem, from Mecca, from Baghdad,
From our Arab Maghreb.
My homeland knows no bounds.
Even though I am from steadfast Syria,
By God’s grace, I endure.

Take from me, and tell my occupiers and usurpers:
I am Arab.

My words and poems are my rifles,
Armored to deflect the shells of your hatred,
To repel you.
And I swear, I live on a land
Where the clay despises you,
Where the night terrifies you,
Where the children intimidate you,
Where the stones of Sijil break the ranks of your soldiers.
And those who ally with you in darkness fear me.

If my lineage impresses you,
Write poetry about me,
Or walk in my path.
Or as Darwish said:
Record it on the first page… Record… I am Arab.

Mohammed Kamal al-Dalati
2009-04-03