When Fairouz Sang…

Fairouz sang keefak Inta? I took it personally…

For a second, amidst the cheering and hysteria, I thought I was seeing a vision. The stage was completely dark, the live band barely visible but very audible, then all the spotlights converged on the center of the stage and like a vision out of nowhere a white figure dazzling, glittering appeared gradually like a photo print under development, and there stood Fairouz in all her majesty, stoic, elegant and very classy. I remember clapping like it was the end of the world and cheering as if when I shut my mouth she would disappear. Tears streamed down the side of my face freely as if it’s the only freedom of expression I will be allowed ever. Is there a medical side-effect to continuous goose-bumps? I had them rigid and stiff for the duration of the concert. I have to admit my skin was a bit at ease during the break when everyone was busy fidgeting trying to kill time.

When she started with one of my favorite songs “3oudak ranan ranit 3oudak ili” I was totally convinced she was flirting with me even though my name is not Ali but what the hell I will become Ali or Hanna or George or Tony if Fairouz flirts with me.

I will become anything she asks me to be cos Fairouz is the only beacon of hope in a country that is so divided amongst itself. Yes fi amal. Akid fi amal.

Then she asked kifak inta? Everybody went crazy… I took it personal. I wanted to scream back “Fairouz as long as you are here we are bi alf kheir…