The Rafah crossing from Gaza into Egypt was open only 17 days so far this year, and more than 20,000 Palestinians are on the list to leave. During the last opening this month, only 1,441 people were allowed to leave Gaza. That is less than 5 percent of students and the sick, etc. trying to leave.

A bird sings
of love and longing.

He sings again
and flutters his wings.
His olive tree is silent.

Does she listen?
Does she feel?
She is his home.
He hides in her arms.

A far light appears,
a new light.
His hope awakens,
and his heart races.
He waves his wings.

The light disappears.
Was it real?
Again he lifts his wings.
Nothing.

He turns to the tree
as if to ask if she sees.
His olive tree is silent.

He sings again
of love and longing.