Poem by Ashraf Abo Arafe
Between Samsama, Barkouta, and Hassouna…
Merit Cast Aside, Corruption on Parade!
While the President fights a noble war,
to cleanse the state and lift the poor,
three tricksters creep through shadowed halls,
at the Power Company’s crooked walls.
Your current runs high — yet only in decay,
“Electricity” flows to the favored, day by day.
A job announced… yet never complete,
The President canceled — but they dared repeat!
O lofty seat where folly sat in guise,
did you not see how hiring wore disguise?
Fifty days later — the order annulled,
then spun around, reposted, extolled!
And who applied? The “High Voltage” knight,
who passed conditions — but only with a bribe in sight.
A counselor backed him, the committee blessed,
and “rewards” adorned him — in golden vest!
He signed himself three thousand to take,
six for his friends — all without mistake.
O Egypt, patience… within these wires burn,
tragedies that laugh, yet sting when you discern.
In councils lurk Samsama’s endless schemes,
Barkouta spins chairs, derailing dreams.
Hassouna sits above the law, unfazed,
Shepherds of corruption — masked and praised.
But Egypt still shines, her light won’t wane,
a President stands — unbowed by strain.
With hands of justice, pure and bright,
he declares: only merit holds the right!
So fall, O crutches of favoritism blind,
let honor and virtue be the ties that bind.
