You scream, I scream in defiance and rage
Against the machines of occupation.
Walking in Haifa, the smell of jasmine and sage,
leads our feet to the demonstration.
Flags held up by kids on their parents’ shoulders
confronting armed policemen and horses.
We gather slowly, never starting on time
to shout and let them hear our voices.
“Oh martyr, take rest, we continue the fight”
“Oh sister of martyr, rebel against oppression”
“Oh mother of martyr, rejoice our plight
For through this light, we seek liberation.
After the protest ends, I walk the street
preoccupied with the various manifestations of defeat.
AICHA BINT YUSIF 