Ali Ahmad Said Esber

1930 / Syria

A Land Of No Return

Even if you return, O, Odysseus;
even if spaces close around you,
and the guide is burnt to ashes
in your bereaved face
or your friendly terror,
you will remain a history of wandering,
you will remain in a land of no promise,
you will remain in a land of no return.
Even if you return,
O, Odysseus

Translated by: Kamal Abu-Deeb
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