Guilty, as charged
 

On day five of the killing spree
As martyr number 50 fell
I could not take it anymore
I took a stand: "I will rebel"
                  ***
I dug into my closet deep.
Found the "koufe-ah"* that I keep
for when the circumstances call.
I put it on; and felt so tall!
                  ***
I wore it as I walked to work
Wore it at noon, for a business lunch!
Enjoyed my stake, had lots of fun,
yet, felt so proud with what I've done
                  ***
………
………
                  ***
One day the blood of every child
spilled on the streets of Palestine
Will call me to the trial stand,
ask me what -- really – have I done?
accuse me, of not being a man.
                  ***
"Guilty as charged"
I will confess.
"Guilty as charged"
There's no defense!

"Guilty as charged"
There's no defense!
There's no defense!
There's no defense!
 

Ehab Lotayef
Montreal, October 2000
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* koufe-ah: Palestinian and Arab men's scarf - usually checkered
   black and white - worn over the head or around the neck