Arabic Poem by Nassy Fesharaki

Once again like always
We flew to Ahwaz
Hercules and soldiers
And also Logistics

In final, too slow,
Overhead Mirage jet
Iraqi’s; fully armed.
He flew and left us.

“Hey crew look at me
I am armed; an enemy
One finger can kill you.
But not I, in such time”

We were weak and slow.
He rocked wing as a show:
“Hey friends go along
I hand you to Allah”

That of course meant rebirth.
Generous; he gave us new life.
Whoever, whatever his name was
He’ll always be living in my heart.

That did and always says:
“Don’t step on the weak”.
A lesson he left; went
“This is true human.”

Once again in Ahwaz
Them so many; we few
Their hands tied; also eyes.
We had preys as do hawks.

Guns taken and bullets
Past was a dream; future
Was eerie; filled with fear.

As actor and writer of play-
As cadet I had written
Tragedy of the war
I saw the Iraqis inside out.

In play tortured and shot to death
Skin burned with fire and hot rod
I could feel those soldiers struggle
Uncombed hair with beard, torn jackets

On my mind were questions
“Did you self-surrender? ”
They spoke Arabic, we Persian.
I watched them and felt bad.

Thought of them and their fates
Thought of them and their thirst
Thought of wives and their kids
Thought of them; their hunger.

“It could be one of us
It could be anyone
Arrested and tied up”
And I thought of that day.

That plane, that Mirage
To its neck it was armed
And he rocked wings and left
He left us in grace of Allah.

The rank on one’s shoulder
Told me so “He sure is officer”
I could see how he’d fall
From skies to lowest, within walls

I heard a voice; shy murmur.
Heard him talk of something
His word flew like a breeze
It entered heart with ease.

“Did you ask for water? ”
I asked him to confirm
He nodded and said thanks
I ordered with demand.

“Bring them the water
Let them have in glass”
When I saw resistance
I shouted and was firm.

“But they are enemy’
Said sergeant with plea
“Not here with tied eyes
They were till they had guns.”

Now I paid part of dues
To pilot who rocked wings
“If one word is so great
Why not talk their dialogue? ”

With some doubt I heard them
In their tongue used one word
It meant water. I saved some
“Why not learn it further? ”

From then on I joined them
Learning deep in their heart
We’re no more the enemies
We’re one blood; same tribe.

I will save you brother.
Since you saved my brother
This is how it should be
You gave me, I give you.

You saved me I save you
As we did with the water
We can share Love and Care
No borders, politics or others.