The Trial

By Nizar Qabbani

The East receives my songs, some praise, some curse

To each of them my gratitude I bear

For I've avenged the blood of each slain woman

and haven offered her who is in fear.

Woman's rebellious heart I have supported

ready to pay the price - content to die

if love should slay me, for I am love's champion

and if I ceased, then I would not be I.