They invented the gauze, a poetical anecdote for healing,

Only for their wounds to be left open, 

undressed & bleeding,

And yet they thank Allah, smiling in the face of it all.

Only they’d lose all their things, 

and yet, amidst destruction and lives gone,

they build the strength to celebrate weddings.

And they find pure happiness that goes beyond brick and stone, 

because like they said, “We love life if we find a way to it.”

Only they’d have their mosques reduced to rubble,

 and yet pray in congregation, their beliefs unwavering. 

because like they said, their resistance doubled;

 “You can destroy our mosques but you cannot destroy our faith.”

Only they’d lose every single toy they’ve had, 

every precious possession they owned, before the old worn-out chance of goodbye.

 And yet, say firmly while looking at the silent world directly in the eye,

“We will teach you manners. 

Just as you left us to the cold and destroyed our homes, 

we will show you. 

We will not surrender; we win or we die.”

Only they’d lose their loved ones left and right,

 their sons and daughters that brought them pure affection and great delight, 

and yet, find the bravery to say, the maternal love captured in writings;

 “Heaven suits you and is your place, my darlings.”

Only they’d bear the news of their families meeting death before their dreams,

With pure, golden pride running through their veins.

And whisper, honeyed smiles in place, “they’ve been blessed with martyrdom.”

For years and years back, 2154 was revealed,

and what better way to let their grief bloom and be healed. 

Only they’d look up at the white dazzling light

in the vast expanse of the darkest night,

and tell their loved ones what a bright star it was.

To pretend it was in fact a star, to pretend everything is alright.

That way perhaps, they can pretend the pain away.

Even if it silences them forever.

For me, that’s resistance.

For me, that’s Palestine.

Note to readers: 

I have used words said by the Palestinians themselves, from their poems, letters & their cries for help on camera. They deserve to be credited and their voices heard, just like yours and mine.

                                                                                                               By: Alya Mohamed Shahid

                                                                                                                11S4 (Batch 2026)