I come from There (for Palestine), Tribal Gallery, 03 2025

IF I MUST DIE,
YOU MUST LIVE
TO TELL MY STORY
TO SELL MY THINGS
TO BUY A PIECE OF CLOTH
AND SOME STRINGS,
(MAKE IT WHITE WITH A LONG TAIL)
SO THAT A CHILD, SOMEWHERE IN GAZA
WHILE LOOKING HEAVEN IN THE EYE
AWAITING HIS DAD WHO LEFT IN A BLAZE—
AND BID NO ONE FAREWELL
NOT EVEN TO HIS FLESH
NOT EVEN TO HIMSELF—
SEES THE KITE, MY KITE YOU MADE, FLYING UP ABOVE
AND THINKS FOR A MOMENT AN ANGEL IS THERE
BRINGING BACK LOVE
IF I MUST DIE
LET IT BRING HOPE
LET IT BE A TALE

Refaat Alareer

Refaat Alareer was a Palestinian writer, poet, university professor and activist from Gaza. On December 6, 2023, he was killed by the Israeli forces along with his brother, sister and their children.

EVERY CHILD IN GAZA IS ME.
EVERY MOTHER AND FATHER IS ME.
EVERY HOUSE IS MY HEART.
EVERY TREE IS MY LEG.
EVERY PLANT IS MY ARM.
EVERY FLOWER IS MY EYE.
EVERY HOLE IN THE EARTH IS MY WOUND.

Mosab Abu Toha