This video presents Palestinian singer, Amal Murkus, singing a musical rendition of “On This Earth,” a famous poem written by Mahmoud Darwish, regarded as the national poet of the Palestinian people. A romantic ode to the land of Palestine, a translation of the Arabic lyrics is provided below. The video features a slideshow of paintings by Palestinian artist, Ismail Shammout.
On This Earth
We have on this earth what makes life worth living
the aroma of bread at dawn
a woman’s opinion of men
the works of Aeschylus
the beginnings of love
grass on a stone
mothers who live on a flute’s sigh
and the invaders’ fear of memories
We have on this earth what makes life worth living
the waning days of dawn
a woman leaving forty in full blossom
the hour of sunlight in prison
a cloud resembling a pack of creatures
the applause of a people for those who face their end with a smile
and the tyrants’ fear of songs
We have on this earth what makes life worth living
on this earth, the lady of earth
the mother of all beginnings
the mother of all endings
she was called Palestine
she came to be called Palestine
o lady, because you are my lady
I am worthy of life