The Literary Armenian News: Prayer – by Bedros Afeyan – 04/24/2020

Prayer

These things I shall do. Sing in Armenian.

Think in arguments undreamt by non-Armenians.

Do good and throw proceeds into the sea

Never look back, nor look beyond that sea

Look up to the North Star and show it the way

Never hesitate to seize the matter by the throat

Of the reverse argument’s crushing counterattack

Planned the night before, but easy breezy till the stroke.

Laugh hardily and often for tragedy is written in our stars

Give as if nothing needed belongs to you

Take one for every 100 you so give.

And joining hands with short, stout, hairy friends who come

From all diasporan corners to sing in Armenian and to dance

Let the ritual be rich in incense, robes, candle lit parades

Let our eagles rest on the peaks of snow-capped mountains

Hunting the vermin of their cannons and their tanks

chased by duduk meditations, Tufa monoliths, triumphant strength.

Bedros Afeyan

4-20-2020

Pleasanton, CA