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Habibto

Fadwa Al Qasem 1963 (Tripoli)

Free verse
Habibto

I miss my father's voice // Like how the rains smell // on fertile soil // embracing the seeds he planted // Now he is the seed // planting love // in the soil of Valencia // Feeding the oranges from below // Now when the rains fall // the soil smells of his soul // his kisses on my forehead // his voice in my head // He calls me Habibto

About this poem

In January 2021, my father left us. He was 95. And I had two conflicting epiphanies: that 95 years are far too short, and that I have been extremely lucky to have enjoyed my father's presence, love and guidance almost till my 60th year.

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Written on January 07, 2022

Submitted by f.alqasem on March 21, 2023

Modified on April 11, 2023

22 sec read
103

Quick analysis:

Scheme A
Characters 348
Words 74
Stanzas 1
Stanza Lengths 1
Full analysis for Habibto »

Fadwa Al Qasem

I am a Palestinian-Canadian-born in Tripoli-woman with a gypsy's spirit. I'm a self-taught mixed media artist and bilingual author with four published books and contributions to three anthologies, and many short stories and poems published in various traditional literary magazines and online. I am also the creator of I Am What I Art Manifesto. ​ I have a B.A in English Literature (UK) and Two Art Therapy Certificates (USA). more…

All Fadwa Al Qasem poems | Fadwa Al Qasem Books

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Discuss the poem "Habibto" with the community...

3 Comments
  • Kaytee
    Kaytee
    What a beautiful tribute to your father. I really love this poem. Great work!
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • karlcfolkes
    karlcfolkes
    What a beautiful celebration by a beloved daughter of her beloved father, ever continuing in his passing as a gardener of nature fertilizing the soil, the trees, the fruits they bear, and all vegetation. And, in the process, continuing to bless his daughter with tender loving kindness. Allah be praised. Peace and love to all nations. 
    LikeReply 21 month ago
  • Teril
    Teril
    So beautiful. I feel that I miss your father's voice as well.
    LikeReply 22 months ago

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"Habibto" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. Web. 4 Jun 2023. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/154468/habibto>.

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