A Text from Gaza
This Poem-a-Day-Until-Aid-Resumes written by Mahmoud
I Hope Aid Will Get In
Trump told us that aid
would get in,
but unfortunately he lied to us.
Even during his visit to the Gulf,
he told us that he would have
good news,
but he did not say
anything about us.
Everyone here is hungry.
My body is exhausted.
I can't move a lot
because of the lack of food.
Isn't it enough that they bombed us,
killed us,
destroyed our future,
our dreams,
our homes,
and humiliated us?
Why are they starving us?
I hope and wish
that the whole world will rise up
and express its anger
in the streets for our sake.
I hope that the world will move
before we all die.
We are now
slowly
of hunger.
Mahmoud Shaat, May 2025
Thank you, Mahmoud, for your poem. Today, I was at a gathering where there were many friends who spoke about the tragedy you are living in Gaza. These friends fight in our community against police who act like bullies. We are called Citizens for Justice. These friends have supported Palestine for many, many years in their actions, much more than I have. I just want you to know there are people here in the US who pray for Palestinians every day and cry real tears for you, your family, your neighbors. I know you know this already. I just had to say it. I am so very sorry for this country's complicity in the suffering in Palestine. It is incomprehensible to me and very, very disturbing. I wish us all peace and enough food to eat, everywhere, but especially at your house. Sincerely, Erica