If I must die… Refaat Alareer
If I must die
you must live
to tell my story
to sell my things
to buy a piece of cloth
and some strings
(make it white with a long tail)
so that a child, somewhere in Gaza
while looking heaven in the eye
awaiting his dad who left in a blaze
and bid no one farewell
not even to his flesh
not even to himself
sees the kite, my kite you made, flying up above
and thinks for a moment an angel is there bringing back love
If I must die
let it bring hope
let it be a tale
If I must live… Islam Elbassuony
(In response to Refaat Alareer’s poem and to the world…)
How was I to know?
My kite, your kite, white with a long tail
not in the right site
Drained with fear
How will my kite fly
In front of a child’s sight
If I must live
trying to pick myself up piece by piece
To find some peace
Everybody here out of sight
All in a survival fight.
With memories they hold tight
I was lost within darkness
then I found that Gaza is a child
Asking me to convey
a message to you
(Can I go where you go
Laying my head on you
turning a moment into forever?)
Just like the first time
Sick of waiting so can we skip to that part?
Look where we are
We are sinking till we reach that part
Promise I will not let you down
Just know you don’t have to do this alone
But
It should be your world instead
Fly your kite
I did it once
Let it be twice
Let it be another tale
…It’s your turn, world… say something!