Have You Noticed?
Arab Spring, 2011

Have you noticed how contented we were
before the revolutions?!
We wrote love poems.
Danced with the moon.
Sang as our spirits blossomed in radiant colors…

We had gotten used to peace and quiet.
Things staying the same.
We made the best of our ordinary lives.
Ignored what we could not control—
Dictator and clan robbing the country.
Ever present secret police.
Occasional rumblings about political prisoners.

We were safe
as long as we kept our heads low.

Now,
things have turned upside down!
Our attention is sucked by the news.
We scan every channel that spews it.
Browse the net and revolution’s pages.
Chat and argue with friends and foes.
Emotions pulled and squeezed.
Images of blood-soaked bodies.
Masses of people shouting for change.
Shadow armies firing against their own people.
Thud of machine guns as kids run for their lives…

Isn’t revolution supposed to make us happy?!
Aren’t we supposed to feel euphoric when fear is broken?
Is it always this messy? Chaotic?
Painful?
Does it always bring out the worst in us
along with the best?

I suppose, back in the days of slavery,
there were slaves who argued against rebellion!
Felt contented with peace, quiet, and a master
who provided safe shelter
and a decent meal.
They sang their songs as they labored in his fields.
Told stories and shared a laugh with loved ones
at the end of each day.

But there were also those
who dwelled in the sad lines of poems.
Noticed the tears, even as the moon danced.
Knew that spirit’s joy is meant to show the way
to freedom.
They embraced the same storm
blowing through us
today…

Have you noticed?!

© Lahab Assef Al-Jundi