1. "The Wounded Olive Tree" by Aboul-Qacem Echebbi (translated by John Heath-Stubbs):
In the valley of the thirsty, on the slope of the barren hill
A wounded olive tree stands, shedding tears of despair.
Its branches, once laden with fruit, now hang limp and bare,
And its roots are exposed to the sun and the air.
The wind moans through its leaves, and the birds fly away,
And the tree is alone in its sorrow and pain.
But still it stands, defying the elements,
A symbol of courage and hope in a land of despair.
2. "The Jasmine of Tunisia" by Ali Douagi (translated by Will Derusha):
In the land of sun-drenched shores,
Where the Mediterranean roars,
There grows a flower of rare delight,
Jasmine of Tunisia, pure and white.
Its petals soft, its fragrance sweet,
A symbol of love, a joy complete,
In every garden, it finds its place,
Adding grace and beauty to the space.
3. "To My Country" by Mustapha Khraief (translated by John Heath-Stubbs):
O Tunisia, my country, land of my birth,
I love you with all my heart and all my soul.
Your sun-kissed beaches and your azure waters,
Your fertile fields and your majestic mountains,
Your proud history and your vibrant culture,
All these make me proud to be a Tunisian.
From the deserts of the south to the shores of the north,
From the bustling cities to the tranquil villages,
You are a land of diversity and beauty,
A land of hospitality and friendship.
I pray that you will always remain free and independent,
A beacon of hope and progress in the Arab world.
May you always be at peace and may your people prosper,
O Tunisia, my country, my beloved home.