cat takes photos

Magandjin No More: National Rally Against Violence.

hazy images from a twelve hour round trip driving to my grandad's funeral. there is a critical voice in my head that belongs to him. he hated that I studied journalism, and he never saw the point in me taking photos. he was someone who never had anything kind to say to or about anyone. no words of support or encouragement, only criticism. always. a solid lesson on who not to be and who not to be around.

If I must die

by Refaat Alareer (1979 - 2023)

If I must die,

you must live

to tell my story

to sell my things

to buy a piece of cloth

and some strings,

(make it white with a long tail)

so that a child, somewhere in Gaza

while looking heaven in the eye

awaiting his dad who left in a blaze–

and bid no one farewell

not even to his flesh

not even to himself–

sees the kite, my kite you made, flying up above

and thinks for a moment an angel is there

bringing back love

If I must die

let it bring hope

let it be a tale