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| June 18, 2006 Sea and Sky: A dedication to Houda by Samah Sabawi My father's life in exile was spent between cities, countries and continents trying to find that perfect beach that looked like Gaza's beach. You'd be surprised, even the Great Barrier Reef in Australia could not measure. My father's thirst for Gaza's sea was never quenched. Only those who have lived in Gaza can understand what the sea in Gaza means to the residents. The sea is the only reality that has not been defaced by the occupation. It is the only landmark that has not been blown up, riddled with bullets or left to decay in neglect because of financial restraints. Above all, the Gaza Sea is the only refuge left for many to go out with their families and to have fun. Yes, fun. That was why Houda's family was on the beach. When I saw images of the terrible crime committed against Houda's family and I read her words I dug up my father's poetry book and hoped to find solace in it. What I found was an old poem that could have been written today. I translated it and would like to share it in memory of Houda's loved ones. Sea and sky And waves…like wild horses neigh And birds with foam feathers Countless…they hover, Sea and sky What is there of Gaza now but sea and sky And lives forgone destined to die Eyes full of grief And tears burn out like candles Yet there still seems to be a faint smile Sea and sky Gaza is a home for lovers For knights wearing the medals of passion Love is like war … a battlefield And manhood is claimed by those who gain and those who yield Love is like death … it is a fate that is written They said, “you must belong young man” I said my heart has for long been smitten I always yearn for Sea and sky Sea and sky Was it a radiant light I saw Or did the veil move revealing your smile Was it a breeze that carried me Or was I blown away from the seventh sky With a wave of her hand she said goodbye May peace be with you the day has ended. Did the sun set or was it darkness that descended? The wound was wide open, A corpse lay on the beach Sea and sky… Abdel Karim Sabawi (translated by Samah Sabawi) ******************* Samah Sabawi is a Palestinian Canadian writer and activitist. |