Maniacs is one of Charbel Baini's books translated from Arabic into English with introduction by Dr. Mostapha Helwe

My Mother

 

-1-

.. And I remember you, my mother, 

Like a hearth

I remember you like a clay oven

I remember you like a support cushion

And a house without walls

I remember you like a heart, 

Giving, and flowers

-2-

.. And I remember you and say:

If only death were nearer than remembrance

My tears wouldn't be flowing like rivers

Nor my blood like fire

Oh, my mother, scattered in the cold

What has become of you? 

With the one before

What happened next?

By squeezing the rock as fine as sand

And The house is collapsing

**