Al-Qalam 
[Photo: Al Jazeera]
In the depths of occupation’s deceptive guise,
A masquerade concealing genocide’s cries.
But we won’t falter, we’ll keep pushing through,
For the growth of children, their dreams to pursue.
Their presence, a radiant and luminous sight,
A beacon of hope, shining so bright.
Against Gaza’s bombardment, we’ll take a stand,
Guiding light in the darkness, reaching out our hand.
The anguish we feel, fueled by taxes we pay,
Unveiling the bitter truth, atrocities on display.
Innocent souls lost, their love snuffed out,
A callous act, leaving us filled with doubt.
Sorrow engulfs us, testing our strength,
As tragedy unfolds, lives are lost at length.
But we won’t stay silent, we’ll make our voice heard,
For Palestine’s liberation, our cry will be stirred.
The weight of this sorrow, it burdens our hearts,
As children find rest, their lives are torn apart.
But united we stand, with unwavering might,
In the face of darkness, we’ll shine our light.
To witness one singled out, harmed due to their race,
Within the confines of their very home, an eerie embrace.
Yearning for peace, their sole aspiration,
I ponder the moral justification.
In the face of injustice, the world’s indifference is clear,
Silence prevails, motives questioned, leaving us in fear.
But let’s unite, with voices strong and resolute,
Calling for Palestine’s liberation, a cry that won’t dilute.
The pain inflicted, lives lost in depths of despair,
We share the burden, countless souls in need of repair.
Yet the world turns a blind eye, crimes left unspoken,
In darkness we find ourselves, chimes of justice awoken.
Together, we pray for truth to shine bright,
Revealing what’s concealed, dispelling the night.
A child’s neck pressed against hardened ground,
Gasping for breath, a profound sound.
Desperation fuels stones hurled in the air,
Tanks deployed, wielding power unfair.
Lifeless bodies, longing for change’s embrace,
Injustice witnessed, emotions displaced.
My brethren in Palestine, trapped in chains,
Facing a wicked IDF, darkness reigns.
I fear my turn may come, a bullet’s sting,
May peace prevail, forever echoing.
In the realm of captured moments, we see a face,
Israel’s heartless act, a child’s life erased.
No inquiry, wounds deep and wide,
Tragedy’s math, a cold and bold divide.
Compassionate, we stand, hearts aflame,
Injustice recognised, we’re not the same.
Empathy and justice, our guiding light,
Solidarity’s wings, taking flight.
Together, we stand for Palestine’s liberation,
Voices united, seeking justice’s foundation.
May Palestine be free, a beacon of hope,
In our pursuit of righteousness, together we’ll cope.
– Ria Mahomed, (18)
