My heart is weary, my body is
exhausted, unable to do anything,
and my eyes are dull, as if I have
cried for days without stopping.

The closest border to me is my 
own body, and I cannot protect
it. You will not find anyone in this 
world capable of defending me or
protecting my family … Solidarity
and consolation will leave no mark
without revolutionary action.

It’s like screaming at a cup of cold
water wanting to turn it into hot 
water; even if the whole world 
screamed, it wouldn’t change!

Does the free world strive for 
change? For years we have lived 
under siege and successive wars
imposed on an entire people, every
time we try to reclaim a part of our
stolen rights.

What affirms your existence and 
proves you are alive 
is to be revolutionary.

Sohail Salem is an acclaimed Palestinian artist and graphic designer from Gaza City, currently displaced in Deir Al Balah. He is co-founder of Eltiqa Group of Contemporary Arts, a gallery and arts space, now destroyed by Israeli bombing. He produces daily sketches on his Facebook and Instagram pages.

Poetry submissions to thursdaypoems@gmail.com