Talib Abdul Aziz
Translated from the Arabic by Muntather Alsawad and Jeffrey Clapp
Picture of a Man
I don’t remember where this picture was taken—
at home?
No, since no one lives with me.
I’m blind, I live alone and I’m not good
at taking pictures of anything—
except in dreams.
In a café?
Maybe… but no,
there’s no stove or jugs in back,
no people whispering over politics—
did I mention my smile was fake?
Of course…
I didn’t smile for years.
So, does anyone among you think
I asked someone to take this picture?
It’s impossible
since I hate street photographers—
they’re usually spies or informants.
They make me feel mummified—
my eyes don’t blink,
and my smile is empty—
I won’t even complain
if my head appears to tilt…
no… never.
This stinking picture isn’t mine,
and that man hanging on the wall
not looking at anyone?
Not me at all.