Watermelon
Abstract
The piece titled “Watermelon” is a free verse poem that explores the struggle endured by Palestine under Israeli occupation. I felt a sense of responsibility to shed light on the hardships faced by the Palestinian people, which have spanned almost a century. Also, as someone who has personal connections to those affected by these injustices, I am committed to raising awareness and fostering global empathy for their plight. The poem strategically utilizes the central metaphor of “watermelon,” drawing from the aftermath of the Six-Day War in 1967 when displaying their flag was prohibited for Palestinians. They resorted to using watermelons as symbols of solidarity due to their colors. The poem anchors the themes of the harsh reality of displacement, pain, and the relentless struggle for freedom. The poem encourages readers to contemplate not the experience but also broader concepts such as human endurance, symbolisms power and our pressing need for global empathy and intervention.
Watermelon
A strip of land where olives whispered peace;
Surrounded by the pyramids and the river’s breeze,
Along with the centre of faiths in Bethlehem;
Nothing but a fruitful coexistence, everyone hand in hand.
Then came a violent storm, the blooming catastrophe!
It withered the sweetness that once was
With everlasting agony.
Yet the watermelon is held high,
above the remains of green grass.
Children’s dreams shattered
by the impending white from the black sky.
Fathers returning, with their homes no longer in sight,
But the watermelon is still held high.
Red was flooded in the village of Tantura
Where countless seeds were sowed.
Even in the month of blessings; the gatherers of Aqsa
Broke their fasts with bullets,
Yet the melon is held up above.
Arms shivering from holding the watermelon,
Spirits seem to never die.
Oh, but for how much longer
Until the colours bring a halt,
To the Palestinians’ strive.
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