I LOVE YOU is one of Charbel Baini's books translated from Arabic into English with introduction by Dr. Mostapha Helwe

Mexican Hat


-1-

When the cactus trees stretched out to see you, 

I felt jealous.

And I decided to leave Mexico

As quickly as possible.

-2-

Is it possible for trees to love?

Is it conceivable that she would throw her beautiful, 

Colourful blossoms at a woman's feet?

That's what happened... 

And that's what I wanted to get rid of!

I won't even allow the trees to love you more than I do.

-3- 

Yes... yes... 

I won't visit Mexico again. 

When the guitarist placed his Mexican hat on your head, 

My head exploded. 

And when he asked you to dance, 

My heart danced in my chest, 

Its beat synchronized to the rhythm of your feet.

-4- 

The cactus flower

And the round hat that hid your face from me

I won't take them with me to Sydney. 

It's impossible for me to live in a house 

Inhabited by suspicion and jealousy.

Leave the cactus and the hat in Mexico

And come to my chest...

You are mine alone.

**