Our First Gate

Bab Al Shams

One day I wake up to hearing a friend
joining a group to set up a tent village
for two days my twitter is filled with talk and pictures of this camp

I have this pride
that something big is happening

It is the Gate of the Sun
it is the first gate, the gate of return
where Palestine returns to the Palestinians

But on the third day
I hear of 'them' coming in, surrounding this new village
arresting everyone

I feel worry and sorrow, but also hope
I go to sleep with a dream
that day after day they would go back
until something happens

A few hours later and I read a tweet
many people want to go back
with this love

a new resistance is born.

Two days later, after my classes
I read on twitter of people going to Bab Al-Shams
I look for the two that I heard from
during their first attempt
This is their second attempt
I know they tried to get in,
but I still don't know if they did.

All I know of is bus rides and a fake wedding
and one of the two I follow is ill.
You are in my prayers.

(written 1:35 p.m. Jan 15, 13)

-Fida Islaih
{all writing is copyrighted}