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CHARBEL DAGHER

Eight Poems

TRANSLATED BY BASIL SAMARA

A WORD ON THE TIP OF MY TONGUE

A word at the tip of my tongue Knocks on my window, As I pretend to be looking for it among my papers

I might find it suddenly in a train crowd, Where it would just pass me by gently Like a fragrance Or a fleeting glance . . .

It might shoulder me on the Departures platform While I walk briskly towards the Arrivals . . .

It might leave a rose at my door latch . . .

Upon my return I ask: Whom have I forgotten? Who does not forget me? Who writes to me with invisible fingers? Who meets me unawares? Who beats me to my lips?

A word on the tip of my tongue Precedes me Like a blind man’s cane, And welcomes me When I open my door.

24 BANIPAL 53 – SUMMER 2015

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