I Was A Superhero by Basman Aldirawi

"Today, I fantasized I was a superhero."

I Was A Superhero
by Basman Aldirawi

Today, I fantasized 
I was a superhero. 
And yes, before you ask,
I wore my underwear 
over my pants. 

My name was not Basman
but BASMAN in shiny letters.
My weapon? Pen and notebook!
My superpower? Truth!

I practiced facing Sabra, 
that fancier, fitter, whiter
Israeli superhero, so much better
in the eyes of the world.

Now, we stand face to face.
I have the strongest weapon!
I begin to speak—bold, clear— 
yet suddenly her rocket
obliterates my voice.

And I am dying.

First published in ONLY POEMS.