"Giddi" (Grandfather)

If I could write you,
My dearest, Habibi,
I’d never find the words.
Your love is by far,
My strength.

If I could hear your voice,
Singing, “With My Heart and My Hands”
I’d fall asleep to your lullaby.
Your music,
God, your music!

If only I could be back at your home,
Scurrying through your candy jar,
Curious at what I’d find.
Then I’d holler, “Ateni Boose.”
And fling my chocolaty lips to your cheek.

If only you were still here
Making every day
Of a little girls life
The best it could ever be
Habibi, my Giddy
Ma-c as-sa-leh-ma