Mothers And Children in Gaza
26 July 2014, Gaza
The Citizen brings to you three beautiful poems that capture the emotions and the trauma of Palestinian mothers and children, attacked, wounded and killed by Israeli air strikes.
Gaza At Night
JACKSON MOULDING
The sky monsters as black as night
Come prowling looking for a fight.
Cradled close I can smell her
The scent of mum it soothes me over.
There’s nothing else that we can do
But lie in wait till morning’s due.
The beating of my mother’s heart T
he sound of buildings ripped apart.
The whistling before the big bright flash
Holding hands we make a dash.
Lifted, twisted, we are flying
The bed is spinning where we were lying.
My ears are burning with the roar
The boom I’ve never heard before.
Floating, a moment, time holds on
And then everything is gone.
The ground erupts and swallows me
Or is it the ceiling? I can’t see.
Which way is up? I knew before
It’s dark and cold, and I am raw.
My hand mummy, we’re holding tight
Everything is going to be alright.
Don’t let me go, I need you more
You know that I am nearly four.
Dark and fire, rubble and mud
Or is it earth mixed up with blood?
I move my body, but not much,
My chin and cheek I cannot touch.
I call my mum, as my face is sore
Up cuddle me from the floor.
We never let go, our fingers entwined
A greater love you’ll never find.
I need her now, I need her grace
I want her to touch my face.
I pull her hand from the floor
I have her hand and nothing more.
*******
Dialogue
EREFAAN JOSEPH
Dont be frightened my child,it will all be over soon
I know im safe with you Mama, safe here in my room
Shhh now, it will all be over soon
Thats what you said last time, and now Papa's gone
Papa's in a safer place, he will never again know harm
But I miss him so much, why couldn't we all go along?
We need to be strong, this is where we belong
Why?
The reasons are beyond You & I, no please dont cry
Mama I'm thirsty, my mouth is really dry
I'll get you some water, wait another day, Mama will find a way
I haven't drank since yesterday, but it's okay, I'll wait
Oh my sweet sweet child, here eat a date
Mama I love you, you're the only one still here
And it's right where I will stay, I'll never leave you dear
The bombs are frightening! Will it ever stop? [BOOM!]
Try to block it out my child, it will all be over soon
But everything's already spoilt, broken and destroyed
When we get the chance my child, Mama will buy new toys
I really hope its soon... wait what's that whistling noi...?
***********
Palestinian Child
SAKIA BEGUM
Don't grieve, for I am dead,
Your tears have no purpose.
Stand tall for what I said,
And know this life is worthless.
Learn from the life I led,
Remember how I was murdered.
An orphan without a bed,
I am peaceful now in heaven.
They live with no water or bread,
My family are still bleeding.
These tears that you shed,
Should be for those still breathing.