The Right Word
Imtiaz Dharker * Track #2 On The Terrorist at My Table
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Album The Terrorist at My Table
The Right Word by Imtiaz Dharker
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Imtiaz DharkerAbout
After the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers on 11th September 2001 Imtiaz Dharker wrote this poem. In it she explores issues of language and identity; how we see and label other people, and how those people may see and label themselves.
Dharker, growing up within the two contrasting cultures of...
The Right Word Annotated
Outside the door,
lurking in the shadows,
is a terrorist.
Is that the wrong description?
Outside that door,
taking shelter in the shadows,
is a freedom-fighter.
I haven't got this right.
Outside, waiting in the shadows
is a hostile militant.
Are words no more
than waving, wavering flags?
Outside your door,
watchful in the shadows,
is a guerrilla warrior.
God help me.
Outside, defying every shadow,
stands a martyr.
I saw his face.
No words can help me now.
Just outside the door,
lost in shadows,
is a child who looks like mine.
One word for you.
Outside my door,
his hand too steady,
his eyes too hard,
is a boy who looks like your son, too.
I open the door.
Come in, I say.
Come in and eat with us.
The child steps in
and carefully, at my door,
takes off his shoes.
The Right Word Q&A
When did Imtiaz Dharker release The Right Word?
Imtiaz Dharker released The Right Word on Thu Apr 27 2006.