And we live on…

zzzzzzzz
Gazan boys playing on seesaw  Photo: Scott Nelson

And another day in Gaza

Another day in Palestine

A day in prison

And we live on

Despite Israel’s very much identified flying objects

That we see more than our family and friends

And despite Israel’s death sentences

Like lead

Cast upon the head

As we sleep

Like acid rain

Gnawing at our life

Clinging to it like a flea to a kitten

And stuffed in our throats

The moment we say ‘Amen’

To the prayers of old women and men

Despite Israel’s birds of death

Hovering only two meters from our breath

From our dreams and prayers

Blocking their ways to God.

Despite that.

We dream and pray,

Clinging to life even harder

Every time a dear one’s life

Is forcibly rooted up.

We live.

We live.

We do.

About Refaat Alareer

Refaat Alareer is a young academic and writer from Gaza who blogs at www.thisisgaza.wordpress.com. You can follow him on twitter at @ThisisGaza.
Posted in Arab Spring, Gaza, Israel/Palestine, Israeli Government, Middle East, Nakba, Occupation, On the ground reports

{ 5 comments... read them below or add one }

  1. Talkback says:

    They should make Gaza the most beautiful place just to p*** compulsory expellers off. Enviromental resistance against campaigns of destructions.

  2. i love refaat’s poetry. everything he writes moves all around in me.

  3. We live, We live, We do, that says so much, Hope springs eternal. And those humbled, God lifts up and exalts. I expect there is an appreciation of life there we here in the US know little about.

  4. chocopie says:

    Stunning photo as well, perfectly illustrating Refaat Alareer’s words.

  5. Citizen says:

    And Israeli contractors are profiting from Israeli destruction of Gaza:
    link to timesofisrael.com