Asma

Please check out this wonderful poem by Clive James, who inspired the writing of this song: https://archive.clivejames.com/poetry/asma.htm Also, the brilliant suitcase diorama shown in the song image is by Mohamad Hafez in collaboration with Ahmed Badr. https://www.unpackedrefugee.com/ For the great escape Did you pack a case For all your cashmere sweaters It’s cold up there this time of year Did you carry them To the waiting plane Or were your fingers bleeding From writing all your pleas for help Your pretty varnished fingernails Used to fold up all your chiffon and your lace But for the rest there’s no escape How did it end this way When you promised so much progress When will you feel their pain Just a second of their anguish Governed with iron bars No rest for the wicked As you unpack your case Again 20 years ago Before the overthrow The future looked so golden This girl from London fit for Vogue The uncovered hair And the pleasant air A voice for every woman But in the end just empty words Your pretty varnished fingernails Used to fold up all your chiffon and your lace But for the rest there’s no escape How did it end this way When you promised so much progress When will you feel their pain Just a second of their anguish Governed with iron bars No rest for the wicked As you unpack your case Again