Write My Name

2023

I saw a poem by Zeina Azzam posted in a comment here on Substack.

I’ve made a song out of it (adapted for the purpose of rhyme etc).

My small contribution to bear witness to the horror that has been the final two months of 2023. It took several attempts as I kept breaking down trying to sing it.

I just wish I had a better voice.

I also hope things get better in 2024.

Can you write my name on my leg now mama 
Please don't lose me when those bombs start falling 
It's right here, the permanent marker 
I hope it stays if the blood starts pouring 
Take your time write it clear and fine 
I'll have it tattooed if I get older 
My brother and sister are next in line 
It's alright mama, cry on my shoulder  

Just our names, no dates or address 
So we're not listed as a number in death 
And if they find our legs in the sun 
They'll show the world there was nowhere to run  

I read it nightly as I try to sleep 
On dusty concrete with a pillow of screams 
Huddled close for some kind of heat 
Hard to close my eyes for fear of dreams

Just our names, no dates or address 
So we're not listed as a number in death 
And if they find our legs in the sun 
They'll show the world there was nowhere to run  

I've added your names around my own 
And drawn lines for the family tree 
I've little hope new branches will form 
Death from above and it's coming for me  

Just our names, no dates or address 
So we're not listed as a number in death 
And if they find our legs in the sun 
They'll show the world there was nowhere to run  

The original poem is posted here, at the bottom of the article:

https://www.commondreams.org/further/this-is-how-we-live-people-come-together-die-together-are-buried-together-in-the-same-shroud