My Friend Hassan - Poem by Ahmed Matar

A visit from our trusted president
Who tours our country's vast extent
He gave a speech and thus it went:
"Have no fear to voice dissent
the days of fear are truly spent"
So up he stood, my old friend Trent
And asked him: "Mr President
Where's the food with rich content?
Where's a house with decent rent?
Where's a job with no torment?
Where will medicine be sent?
Oh honoured Mr President
Though you have the best intent
We haven't even had a cent!"
Then spoke the trusted president
With voice full of great lament
"This causes me a deep torment
To her these words of discontent
In this land, at this event.
But thank you for your words well-meant
And better times are in ascent."
Another year it came and went
And came again our president:
"Have no fear to voice dissent
the days of fear are truly spent"
Not one single malcontent!
So up I stood with good intent:
"Where's the food with rich content?
Where's a house with decent rent?
Where's a job with no torment?
Where will medicine be sent?
And, sorry Mr President,
But where is my old friend Hassan !?"