Joseph (poem)

[Ehab Lotayef]

** My poetry collection "To Love a Palestinian Woman" is due in April - God willing.  Hope to see u at one of the book launches (Montreal & Toronto). Details soon.

Joseph is one of my latest poems.  I thought of changing the title to "Joseph the Gazan", but then decided to leave it "open".

Ehab

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Joseph
 
I am Joseph,
your brother:
The well is dark
and deep
 
I am Joseph,
your brother:
Never harmed a man or a beast
 
I am Joseph …
Your brother under siege
 
Your broken swords at my throat
Vandals roam your fields
 
Brothers, can you see?
 
   ***
 
I am Joseph
your brother:
Always cherished you
 
In the court of Pharaoh
--I dream--
I’m saving you
 
I’d live a slave, die a martyr
if it would set you free
 
Brothers,
you can’t see!