This poem is dedicated to the Hatari, the band from Iceland that was reprimanded for displaying a Palestinian flag at the Eurovision song contest in Tel Aviv. Right after, they shot a music video in Jericho, singing a song called "Samed" (which means steadfast in Arabic). The lyrics say, in part, "I suffered a lot. (But) I'm steadfast. I won't bow down."

Standing on Gaza's 
beach, barefoot, 
tasting the sea breeze
with my tongue:
the breeze that won't
be occupied. 
Neither will my heart.

Looking at the skyline,
where the water kisses 
the sky.
I breathe out my anger, 
telling myself, "You're not
the only one suffering."

I reach for my headphones
and listen to Hatari's "Samed."*
Gazing at the sunset.
I tell myself, "You're not alone.
Tomorrow will be another sun."
I feel warmth inside my heart.
As they say, "Warm, healed, steadfast."