A much acclaimed poem by Hannan Issa, of Iraqi-Welsh heritage, recently chosen as the national poet of Wales:
“You always write my name in barbecue sauce on the plate
And now I can’t hear a Fairouz song without seeing
your beautiful back flipping egg-soaked bread, pouring my coffee.
She’s singing about Beirut: She tastes like fire and smoke.
I chew the warm soggy bread, the salty toast and sweet sauce.
You hum along with her: You are mine, you are mine.
The coffee tastes strong, a bit ashy. I picture the fire
and smoke of all the places where they love Fairouz.
‘Another piece?’ You take my plate and replenish my name.
The coffee leaves debris on my tongue. I want to hold it all –
the breakfast, the music, your back. Even the coffee.
Please, don’t stop humming: You are mine, you are mine.“
