Life Through Her Yes: 38

Of Sea

The air in Gaza doesn’t smell the same 

It used to be of sea. 

The water in Gaza doesn’t taste the same 

It used to be of sea 

The land in Gaza doesn’t feel the same 

It used to be of sea 

Everything in Gaza was magnificent 

Everything in Gaza was of sea 

Every tree was planted with love 

Every building was built with song 

Every night you’d hear the waves 

No other sea sang the same

 
The wind in Gaza was wet

It gently caressed your face 

The people in Gaza were there 

It was lively at all hours of the day 

But Gaza is no longer recognized 

Gaza is no longer of sea 

Gaza is now of blood 

Gaza is now of tears 

Gaza is now of screams, 

it is now of fear 

it still has a sea, but Gaza is no longer of sea

About the Author

Rand is a 26-year-old Palestinian. She is the youngest of four children; she finished her undergraduate studies at Bir Zeit University, Ramallah, Palestine. During her university years, Rand grew more interested in the humanitarian structure and the Palestinian cause from a humanitarian point of view. Through volunteering and networking, Rand received many pieces of training in crisis management, and emergency navigation, as well as, humanitarian structure, signature, and localization allowing her to employ her knowledge in her career and as a volunteer with many local and international humanitarian organizations. Moreover, Rand is a very expressive artistic person who attempts to share her human experience through pen and brush. She is captivated by sunsets and Palestinian beauty.

All photos in the series are by Rand.