Poetry: Ashraf AboArafe
TAKE me with you,
you who wander far from home—
take me with you.
Carry me to where the loved ones wait,
take me with you.
Lead me to the one who disappeared,
to the one my heart still calls—
take me to Lily.
By your life, O traveller,
pass by… but do not forget me.
My beloved Lily left and never returned,
and for years I’ve stood in patience,
holding a longing
that never softened,
and for Lily’s sake
I kept travelling
into the ache of distance.
Take me with you,
you who are leaving—
take me with you.
Carry me to the homes of those I love,
take me with you.
By your life,
O neighbour of our moon,
you who journey toward its silver glow—
from the day Lily left our village,
the moonlight dimmed,
the nights grew thin,
the trees themselves wept for Lily.
I asked about Lily a hundred times,
and every answer was silence.
Take me with you,
to the one who vanished,
to the one my soul still follows—
take me to Lily.
I swear, if you tell me “cross,”
I’ll cross seven seas.
Even if I tire,
I will not rest.
Pass by—
and take me with you.
Carry me to Lily’s land,
for I stand here waiting,
breath held,
heart trembling
for your return.
Take me with you,
you who are travelling—
take me with you.
Take me to the ones I love,
take me to the one who’s gone…
take me to Lily.
