After the bombs fell

You were pulled out
from the smouldering rubble,
a young boy
bruised, bloodied but still breathing
and yet to know
that you’re the sole survivor
.
Congratulations Israel
for orphaning yet another
innocent Palestinian child.

I see your tears,
hear your cries,
and feel your pains
but can only offer
muted prayers.
from a safe distance
far, far away.

Your loved ones…..
Where are they now?
Where are they?
In between your cries of anguish
and poignant despair
you grieve for them
as I grieve for you.
Whose arms will comfort you now
as you shiver in the cold of the night?

If you make it thru this hell, my boy
and if someday
you finally know what peace is,
I won’t fault you
if anger at the world
still burns in your heart.
No I won’t fault you
if you find it hard to forgive us.
You have every right not to
’cause we were not there for you
when the bombs fell
and your loved ones perished.

We just stood and watched
as your world crumbled.

Subhi Mohamed
Tuesday 14th November 2023.