Where the olive groves wane, flesh rinds rain down at dawn.
Winds carry stories of loss and of longing – another salaam is withdrawn.
Stunted bones wrapped in leather, bodies in tethers,
Crowds rushing to trucks in the vineyard - another Shalom is withdrawn.
Amal torn from irises, “fa inna ma ‘a l-‘usri
Yusra,” Surah Ash-Sharh says. Ya reet for al watan withdrawn.
The figs and the poppies have burned with the bodies.
Shabah and ramad fade, ride the sea winds to Allah - withdrawn.
Seraphim bring their hellfire, glass the grounds of
The prophets. Smoke welcomes new settlers at dawn.
