I am a free man, I will not be humiliated.

I am still a friend.

I am still a companion in times of hardship.

Mohamed Rahal, a poet, artist and heritage researcher from Algeria, a North African country, shares his poem

Mohammad Rahal is an academic, poet, and artist, heritage researcher, based in Tebessa, the capital city of Tébessa Province region of northeastern Algeria. He is Irish media ambassador, and has participated in various forums and festivals.

I am a free man

I still do good and bring joy to everyone.

For those who know me,

I still play the Oud with honor, and I love music.

I am still an ambitious man.

I am still a poet weaving words.

My name is still at the top.

I love life, and my kindness is a compliment to me.

I am still generous with people.

Ask those who have given to me.

I still love my heritage.

I still cherish its satisfaction and my homeland.

I still struggle, I struggle.

Alone, who fought with me?

I still don’t mix with strangers and the naive.

And those who hate me, many hate me.

My nature remains loyal.

I still drink pure milk.

My honey is still safe and sound with those I love. Enough of me, good or bad, leave me in peace. The poems still ignite. Cheers!

Happy and open, burning with emptiness.

I still love my beloved.

We still flirt with green eyes.

I am still a noble man.

A brave and strong knight.

I still despise deceit.

I am a free man, I will not be humiliated.

I am still a friend.

I am still a companion in times of hardship.

I am still a support in times of hardship and sorrow.

I am still generous.

Only the good love me.

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Read: Littleness – A Poem from Algeria