If I must live
You must see
The resistant one you taught me to be
The one who holds your things tight
And never lets go of your tale
Afloat in the homicide air.
The kite is there in its same scene
But it brings no hope of an end
To our pain and disease.
The child looks up for answers
but his angel’s not there. I hold
his hand and dream of that place
You left us for, that embraces you
In all its warmth and peace.
If I must live
Let me be free
Let the child love and see

For Refaat Alareer (1979-2023)