when the fireworks lit the sky
and the children gathered
to celebrate another festivity
lo que sea
my Palestinian friend,
who sat by my side,
reached out for the light and turned it off
an automatic response
a physical response
the heart palpates quickly
followed by shame from the eyes staring in the dark.
this is what the conflict has done
rendered one into a threat dedictor
even when
in europe
where the bell and the firework ring together
and light the sky.
AICHA BINT YUSIF 