9. Being Palestine, Becoming Palestine
Rediscovery And New Representations Of Modern Palestine And Their Impact On Palestinian National Identity
We have on this earth what makes life worth living.
the aroma of bread at dawn.
a woman’s opinion of men.
the works of Aeschylus.
the beginnings of love.
grass on a stone.
mothers who live on a flute’s sigh.
and the invaders’ fear of memories.
...
we have on this earth what makes life worth living.
on this earth, the lady of earth.
the mother of all beginnings.
the mother of all endings.
she was called Palestine.
she came to be called Palestine.
o lady, beause you are my lady.
I am worthy of life.
(Mahmoud Darwish, On This Earth1).