Eid(?) in Palestine - by Dr Farrukh Anwar
I gave you a bath and put on new clothes, Took in the scent of mehndi on your fingers and toes, Decorated your hair with tiny, colourful clips and a big flower, Set a little handbag on your shoulders, a need of the hour And blew over you to protect from the evil eye, Hugged you, kissed you, "Happy eid, apple of my eye! " I turned around and froze, A scene from somewhere arose, Both legs plastered upto the thighs, Pellet riddled face and vacant eyes , The smell of dried blood welcomed me, She held close to her heart another baby, A sibling who had just breathed her last, Life had turned upside down in the few months past. " Mama, baba if only I could get a glimpse of you, alas! It would have been the best eidi for which I could ask! But no worries, I know Allah is with me, One day not far away, he will surely set us free!" I trembled, tears rolling down my face, I lost my composure, sanity and grace. So while you and I tweet and celebrate, Do send up a little prayer ...