In Lamenting an Angel; Rawia Al Aswad

A few days ago, the great Syrian lady, Rawia Al-Aswad, passed away in The State of Al Bahrain, after suffering from a heart attack. She, with some of her friends, established a relief organization called ‘Souriyat Across Borders’ to help the Syrian refugees. I knew her personaly before I left Syria as a family relative and I worked with her after the Revolution in a humanitarian activity. This poem is dedicated to lamenting her.

In Lamenting an Angel

Rawia Al-Aswad

March 2019

By Tarif Youssef Agha

Oh Rawia, your heartbeat stopped today,

Even though you were the cure for those with wounded hearts

If the Angels had an Ambassador, it would be you,

If the Angels had stories to narrate, you would be the narrator

You were the mother of the disaster relief campaigns,

Oh Rawia, who will carry out those campaigns after you?

You were the pillar of ‘Souriyat Across Borders’

Who would think that the organization you made would lament you?

The snow, the mud, and the tents of the Syrian refugees knew you,

As did their mutilated limbs and their empty stomachs

You devoted your life to bring the smiles back to the faces,

Your departure deeply burned all our souls

Everyone in this life has a purpose,

Your purpose was always to stop the bleeding of wounds

Every great person has a message,

Yours was always to plant hope in desperate people

Oh Rawia, you always enjoyed the love of the misfortunate people,

You left today, but their hearts will always bless you.

***

Can be shared without permission

By Tarif Youssef Agha

Friday 3/8/19

Houston, Texas