Another guest post from my 18-year-old daughter, Somaya. Egypt and the broader Arab region are on her mind.
Cheaper Than Coal
By Somaya Abulfetouh
The most precious things that may cross your mind
Are the same things that could turn you blind
They shine so bright and drive people mad
They control even the strongest lad
Gold as bright as the sun
Silver as white as the moon
Diamonds, oh I want them by the ton!
At the sight of crystals some might swoon!
Which, you ask, is the most precious?
I’ll tell you none; I’ll tell you blood is.
All the above, compared to a soul
Become cheap, cheaper than coal
The blood of your friends, your family, your children!
Not even those, but your country’s citizens!
The people who live on the same planet,
Why should you make of killing them a habit?
What more value does your blood hold?
If theirs is cheap, yours is not gold
Oh, what a funny world this has become!
It’s become so dark, all the days are dun
No, not dun, more like red
When all our days are filled with dread
In the papers, on the news
All we see is sadness and blues
Where is the outrage, where is the ruckus?
How can you let murderers live among us?
Raise your voice, make a change!
Kick and thrash till you break the cage!
Inner Workings of My Mind 