I am from the sound of people in the street.
From the honking of cars and midnight board games.
I am from the crowded cities, the communities that share laughter and despair.
I am from the river, the most famous one there is, admired by many,
represents life in the desert.
I am from the green leaves of Molokhya and the late football (Soccer) matches.
From Baher and Nadia and Betra.
I am from the continuous arguing and the unfathomable love.
I am from the beautiful tales of the pharaohs and the moving mountain.
I am from a persecuted minority who believes three can be one.
I am from the center of my land, from the Bamya and the spicy Dokka.
I am from the, “why did you Kung Fu kick the mirror?!” shouted my mom to my brother,
and the tardiness of a younger brother.
I am from the land of the pharaohs, and the religion of the west.
I am from the, “don’t waste food others don’t have,” from the, “come join us for dinner,” while he doesn’t mean it.
I am from, “step in with your right leg, thus evil will stay out of the house.”
I am from the fear of the black crow and the unfortune it brings,
from the fear of the turned slipper that brings Satan into the house.
I am from the “if god wills,” and, “maybe god be with you.”
I am from the nice house, healthy lifestyle, and good education.
I am from where the lower class exceeds all other classes in numbers.
I am from where mothers struggle to put food on the table and rely on charitable organizations.
I am from where degree holders are unemployed and where soldiers are killed by terrorism.
I am from where corruption is the most valuable stock and where integrity has no meaning.
This motivates one to work towards improving the lifestyle of many.