we are not numbers

emerging writers from Palestine tell their stories and advocate for their human rights

Another child died

Another child has died in Israeli shelling and I feel numb.
Basman Derawi
  • Gaza Strip
  • Diaspora
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Isaeli miliatry forces have heavily shelled Gaza for the last two days in a tit-for-tat that began when a border protester, angered by the sniper killing of a fellow demonstrator, shot at soldier. Among the casualties was 14-month-old Seba Mahmoud Abu Arar and her pregnant mother.

Another child died.
I feel numb,
As if I was frozen.
I am scared
and guilty about
the tears that haven't
dripped down my cheeks.

Another child died.
I close my eyes
and feel her blood
where my tears should be,
dripping onto my hand,
then red on the ground.
I feel numb.

Another child died.
A sigh is caged
in my chest:
Another "why" with no answer
explodes in my head
like a live grenade.
I feel numb.

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