My birthday wish

A poem about Palestinian grief and dreams

Once I was 6, and all I wanted was to place myself on the map

All you wanted was to see your baba and Khalto

At 16, I wished for something I can’t remember

While you took up arms to protect our home

Now I’m 23. I want to free the land if only for your eyes

But I’m not sure if you’ll be alive to see it

I wish for your victory, your homes, your land, your life

I wish that these words on the page come true