‘Who Are You and Who Am I’: An Easter Poem by Maria Panayi

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Who Are You and Who Am I

—a villanelle

Who are you and who am I
That you fill my life with light
And for me you chose to die.

I have fallen from on high,
I am foolish, you are wise,
Who are you and who am I?

You are truthful, I can lie,
You have rules I cast aside,
And for me you chose to die.

On your wings I learn to fly
On this journey that’s called life
Who are you and who am I?

Now I have to wonder why,
You are always by my side
And for me you chose to die.

I don’t deserve your sacrifice,
But you have risen, brought new life,
Who are you and who am I
That for me you chose to die.

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Maria Panayi was born in Cyprus before the Turkish invasion but now lives in the UK as her former home is under occupation. She is now retired after working for many years supporting children with special education needs.