ll always be grateful to Helena Nelson, my first editor, for having faith in my work when I didn’t.
Menna Abu Zahrafez uma citaçãohá 3 anos
Granta for their support – especially to Eleanor Chandler for her owl-eyed suggestions.
Menna Abu Zahrafez uma citaçãohá 3 anos
This book arose out of innumerable conversations and encounters. There are some people named in the poems (some names have been changed), but many others float lovingly in the background. I hope they know who they are and what they mean to me.
Menna Abu Zahrafez uma citaçãohá 3 anos
These poems are spoken in memory of those who can’t hear them: Tjandra Sari, aka Mak (1931–2018) Swadaya Sitiabudi (1923–1979) John P. Harris (1923–2003) Emy van der Spek (1929–2002)
Menna Abu Zahrafez uma citaçãohá 3 anos
and I asked if everything was OK. Yes, everything’s OK, you said, suddenly embarrassed, but wait, why am I telling you this
Menna Abu Zahrafez uma citaçãohá 3 anos
and need a voice capacious enough to be both me and not-me,
Menna Abu Zahrafez uma citaçãohá 3 anos
I reject the possibility of narrating any life other than my own
Menna Abu Zahrafez uma citaçãohá 3 anos
I feel it still. But not with guilt. Reverberating in me. My rickety city.
Menna Abu Zahrafez uma citaçãohá 3 anos
My freight train. My empty din.
Menna Abu Zahrafez uma citaçãohá 3 anos
No jokes today please. See me slumped against the door. Up to my knees.