From “The Gaza Suite”
For Naomi, Anan, Zeina, Noura, and Hind
3.
gaza at daybreak
dogs sniff among the ruins
the graves are multiplying
4.
winter in gaza
stiff bodies cover the earth
tents embrace the wind
5.
midnight in gaza
hundreds of drones buzz like bees
all the flowers gone
6.
moon over gaza
clouds of death darken the sky
olive trees are gone
7.
no water to drink
we are fish without blankets
where is the ceasefire
8.
the sea is still here
peace disappears once again
boats die in the sun
9.
bodies wrapped in cloth
how many children have died
life is a black wing
11.
poems with bullet holes
every word is a witness
no more love sonnets
13.
the seeds have stories
oh red ripe watermelon
so sweet this earth was
15.
some cry genocide
the sound of one hand clapping
so silent the world
19.
planting trees today
clear the ruin and rubble
find the mourning dove
21.
darwish walks with me
he carries a butterfly
just for you to love
24.
gaza is our home
above the sky a bird lives
trees still have branches
Notes:
This poem is part of the folio “E. Ethelbert Miller: Friendship Is What Keeps Us Whole.” Read the rest of the folio in the November 2025 issue of Poetry.
Source: Poetry (November 2025)