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Against All Odds — Eritrean Millennium Poems by Reesom Haile

By Bob Holman & Margery Snyder, About.com Guide

2 of 6

“Desta,” by Reesom Haile

Desta (Tigrinya)Reesom Haile

Daughter, Desta, born in exile,
Come home for a first time.
Meet your grandmother
Her family, her neighbors —
Your family, your neighbors,
Your country, our home.
Please eat
These vegetables and meat
And a special treat of wild roots.
Or have I spoiled you?

No, Daddy, I love this.
But we need windows.

(English translation by Charles Cantalupo)

More Reesom Haile poems translated by Charles Cantalupo

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