The Spirit of Palestine

by Nahida the Exiled Palestinian

You bombard us with death
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We “retaliate” by loving life… ever more
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You destroy our land
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We fight back by tending more
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You uproot our trees
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We resist by planting more
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You display your arrogance
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We share our hospitality and love of humanity
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You froth your supremacy with vengeance
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We embrace hope with faithful glee
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You turn our farms into eyesore fortresses
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We heal and caress with warm loving hands
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You steal our organs and chop our limbs
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Our tolerance grows… Our hearts expands
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You restrict our movement
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Our wings carry us far and high
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You destroy our homes
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Our love for the world increases many folds
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You imprison us behind walls
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We fly beyond reality and dreams
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You bomb our schools
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We learn in the street
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You cut off our energy supplies
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With candle light we persevere
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You flood us with hate and cruelty
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Our compassion grows … keeping us afloat
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You imprison our finest
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Our mothers sing for love and freedom
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You try to humiliate us
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Dignity becomes our trademark
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You try to crush our spirit
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Our courage becomes a legend
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You try to turn our lives to misery
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Our infectious celebrations inspire  joy and jubilation
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You kill our babies
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Our henna-painted hands embrace those who are yet to be born
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You can burn our homes, food, beds and toys
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But you can never steal our tranquility and peace of mind
Nor can you stop us from playing
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Out of your horror
We create beauty
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In your bombshells
We grow daffodils, lilies, basil and Jasmine
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Your nerve and teargas bombs
We fill with flowers, scented and delightful
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Do you really think
Such spirit can be defeated!
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NAY
Such is the spirit of Palestine
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