“The Coming Storm.”

Ceasefire now.

From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

—

The Coming Storm

I cannot read the news tonight; oh, no…

The Gazan headlines lead my heart astray.

Each phrase takes effort, and my hands are slow

To do what my most-willing heart would say.

My heart feels trapped within a hollow hold;

My arms and legs are crying for relief.

The cries of genocide still leave me cold,

And suffering will stagger my belief.

What rituals can centre me, this time?

They can’t be saved by steeping cups of tea.

Bright faith and apathy can never rhyme,

But art can bolster my integrity…

My black-and-white keffiyeh keeps me warm

As I walk closer to the coming storm.