
Today I am sharing a poem by the great Egyptian feminist Huda Sha’arawi. As we saw earlier, Sha’arawi’s work was immense in redefining the place of the woman in Egyptian society, and led to a new dawn for Egyptian women. This woman who influenced millions of Egyptian and Arabic women was also a poet with a great love for her country and its people. She dedicated her life for the betterment of women in the Egyptian society, and immensely loved the land of her forefathers.
The poem “A ma Patrie” was published in L’Égyptienne number 69, Mai 1931. Translated to English by Dr. Y. Afrolegends.com.
A ma Patrie
J’ai fait voeu de t’offrir tout ce qui m’appartient O ma belle Patrie, Mon bras, mon coeur, mon âme ainsi que tous mes biens Sans excepter ma vie. J’ai fait voeu de peiner, de lutter, de souffrir, De braver l’infamie. Sans froncer le sourcil, sans poser au martyre, Sans même une aide amie. J’ai juré de franchir les frontières des mers Si ton honneur l’exige, Afin de rehausser, aux yeux de l’univers, Ton nom et ton prestige. J’ai juré d’oublier les affronts des déments Et la haine et l’insulte Que l’envie incita, contre mon dévouement A ta cause et ton culte. Peu m’importe l’exil, leur courroux, la prison, J’accepte la mort même. Puisque leurs vils exploits n’auront jamais raison De l’humble coeur qui t’aime. |
To my Homeland
I made a wish to offer you all that I have O my beautiful homeland, My arm, my heart, my soul, as well as all my belongings Not excepting my life. I vowed to struggle, to fight, to suffer, To brave infamy. Without frowning, without asking for martyrdom, Without even a friend’s help. I have sworn to cross the borders of the seas If your honor depends on it, To enhance, in the eyes of the universe, Your name and your prestige. I have sworn to forget the offenses of the demented And the hatred and insult Which prompted envy, against my dedication To your cause and your worship. I do not care about exile, their anger, the prison, I will accept even death. Because their vile deeds will never win over The humble heart that loves you. |
Wow, that’s a wonderful poem!
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