In a warless land a budding student
is honored today. His first epic poem
has won. Everyone celebrates, smiles
around tables. Plates of cake are served.
Photos are taken. He proudly receives his prize.
Family and friends warmly clap.
He always dreamt of this moment.

In a war-torn land a ten-year-old child
is on his way home carrying
his blue bag with six books on his back.
He’s wearing a blue T-shirt, chocolate-stained
because his Arabic teacher rewarded him
for reciting the poem today!

Looking at the dark sky
he proudly recites it again.
“In this land there is something
that deserves life.” Suddenly,
before he arrives home,
in the blink of an eye,
the sky grows darker.

The blue T-shirt turns red,
the Arabic book is burnt
and torn pages are scattered
far on the street.

Will the child become a poet?
And will the untold poems survive?