Since 1948
(Nina Abdul Razzak)
(April 18, 2025)
Seventy-seven years have passed since 1948,
The ruthless year of our diaspora,
Which somehow, we’ve come to accept as a destiny
And a tragic and despicable Palestinian fate.
Since then, we’ve continued to breathe,
Love, learn, laugh, and cry…
We’ve travelled to corners never heard of
And places never passed by.
So many injustices have our eyes seen
And so many of our dreams have been shattered,
With the right of return steadfast in our hearts
No matter the distance from home we’ve travelled.
Resilient people we have been called
By one and way too many;
Yet, the hidden constant they do not see,
Is the hurt our tormented and sorrowful hearts continue to carry.
It is a unique and deep hurt
That cuts across all our existence,
Like a shadow chasing us around,
Tightening its grip with unwavering persistence.
Forcing our tears to fall and spread
Like ripples of water travelling so free
Extending out into
World’s grandest river to its vastest sea.
