The Sea of Life

The ocean hits the shores on the beach where children play with waves.

Down the gravel path, rays of gold set upon the bay.

Parks with lakes and ponds, where people fish.

Every waterway gives a sense of ease— 

except one, that unsettles me.

This sea, once a place of refuge, now turned into a blockaded terror zone.

This sea, where my fellow brothers and sisters used to dance and smile.

This sea, where the only source of livelihood and food was that of marine life.

Where our fishermen sought sustenance from the waves, and now are restricted from fishing.

This sea, where Al-Baqa cafe once rested by the shores, 

destroyed, killing at least 95 men, women and children.

This sea, where the most beautiful sunsets lay upon—

Even if I have only ever seen them through a phone screen.

This sea, that belongs only to the Gazans and the free.

This sea, that carries their tears, blood and memories in its waves.

This sea, where resistance strikes through boats of aid—

The Global Sumud, Madleen, and more to come from our flotilla fleets.

This sea, where we all must sail to break the siege that has been in place for far longer than we can count.

There is nothing quite like this sea except it represents life when life has been strained.

This sea, that will be a witness for us all, this genocide never ended and we will all be held accountable if 

we don’t act to dismantle the regime that supplies it.

This sea, don’t forget it!

The sea of the brave, humble and courageous. 

The Gazan sea.