To The Forlorn of the Levant

(In Pidgin Arabic, in Latin Script... my apologies in advance to my great Arabic teacher Mr. Khalifeh)

Ana mish Lubnani!
Asrukhu:
Ana ay Ishi, bass mish Lubnani
Is-alni ana shu, ma-ba3-ref shu, bass mish Lubnani

Fi Tufulati Al Sahrawiya Kuntu Arza Lubnani Arsumu
Fi Ayami al Awakhiru Arzu Qalbi Yatamazaqu
Tanzifu du-mu-i min Ajli Shaabin Ahmaqu
Yarmi Jarahu wa yata-ayaqu bi-alfazin wala aqbahu

Ind-al-Jadi, Yahzimu Amti-atu
Yasrukhu « Shu hal balad »
Irhal, Yalla Irhal, Mafi minu Nawa – Hal Balad-u

Watanun, At-fallahu tas-fa-3u Shu-yukha-hu
Yatajawaluna nisfa 3u-ratin min hanat-il Jumayza
ila makhamiri el Hamra’u
Wa 3u-quluhum mashghula bil Sex-i wal Football-u

Wa-Ind-al-Jadi, Yahzimu Amti-atu
Ila-l-Khaleeji Yazhabu --- Amreeka-tul Fuqara-u
Ya3-malu, Ya-kidu, Ya-sh-tahidu
Ya-ray-tahu Kana fi Wanatu

Fil-Khaleeji Yasrukhu “Shu hal balad”
Irhal, Yalla Irhal, Mafi minu Nawa – Hal Balad-u

Apologetically By Hani M Bathish
(A poet-pretender does not need a PhD in language, only to feel, have a playful spirit, the courage to share and comedic timing, believe it or not, maybe he makes someone smile, and maybe he makes someone think. Thank you for reading.)

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