Haifa Poem by john p portelli

Haifa

The rustling sea of Haifa
conning the white pebbles
and the Arab sibi scoops the merigold sand
frightened of the ravenous wind
and the children play with the sea shells
ready to face any burden
overcome any hurdle

the shriek of the struggling seagulls
awakens me
while a bee licks
the tranquility off my hand

Haifa is agile
barefooted
embellished by camels

and I strolled for a coffee
and you queried where I come from
and before I answered
you softly uttered
Palestinian perchance?
Maltese I replied, and you?
silence
and you?
silence
and I ventured to ask: Palestinian?
yes she whispered shamefully
as though she did not belong here

John P. Portelli,2019
Translated by Hermanda Gauci