A eulogy for my father
I have seen the sun and empires rise and set,
Bearing witness
to the crossroads of humanity.
Just as I am cradled between two mountains,
I cradled you. Child of mine. Son of Nablus.
I heard your first cry, and echoed your laughter,
As you ran through my alleyways.
The joys of youth passed with the seasons,
Until the long winter of our people befell us.
But you endured.
Through hardship you found manhood.
And you thrived.
Even though an ocean and injustice separated us,
I still cradled the spirit of Palestine within you.
And you thrived.
Years passed and the shadows stretching across my stone arches grew longer.
And you yearned to return to me.
But my dear child, you never left.
You have always been with me.
Son of Palestine, know that I exist only through you.
My soul is your soul.
And through your love, I will live forever.
HILAL AZZAM KANAAN
(For Azzam S. Kanaan, Feb 2021)