I am patient and am waiting for a profound revolution in the consciousness of the Israelis. The Arabs are ready to accept a strong Israel with nuclear arms - all it has to do is open the gates of its fortress and make peace.

The metaphor for Palestine is stronger than the Palestine of reality.

I've built my homeland, I've even founded my state - in my language.

I am not a lover of Israel, of course. I have no reason to be. But I don't hate Jews.

We have to understand - not justify - what gives rise to this tragedy. It's not because they're looking for beautiful virgins in heaven, as Orientalists portray it. Palestinian people are in love with life. If we give them hope - a political solution - they'll stop killing themselves.

To be under occupation, to be under siege, is not a good inspiration for poetry.

The poem is in my hands, and can run stories through her hands.