𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝑜𝓊𝓁 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝒮𝑜𝓊𝓁

I reminisce about the peaceful days when serenity enveloped the country.

I recall a time when the world lay at my feet, and the whispers of the stars danced around me.

I recall the day when children roamed freely, playing together in pure glee.

I reminisce seeing Mama and Baba, their smiles radiant and carefree.

Yet, all of this existed only in my imagination, a mere fantasy.

As I lay in the unfamiliar hospital bed, my hand instinctively reached for the swollen wound on my chest, questioning destiny.

For what had I done to deserve such a life, this mystery?

**************

The scent of fresh flatbread wafted through the air,
My belly rumbled with joy as Mama sat by the fire with care.

I tried to sneakily grab a piece, my desire hard to hide,

For a full belly was all I needed, my hunger as my guide.

I was a young boy, merely twelve years in this stage,

Yet, my life felt like a bird trapped in a cage.

"You'll do great things, my child, you're a star,"
Mama's words echoed in my heart, though she seemed so far.

Those words struck my soul, like a rose's splintered thorn,

Leaving my heart broken, for why had I been born?

"Your life is precious my son, don't you ever forget. Allah is with you, my child, for this is just our test."

With a soft sigh, I gave mama a small kiss,

For once, the chaos faded, replaced by peace's gentle hiss.

In mama's embrace, finding solace, was a moment of pure bliss.

"I am off to your aunties house, I will you see you soon. My love for you is unconditional habibi, greater than the size of the moon."

With assurance, I nodded, giving mama a final hug,

Her hand on my head, a gentle, reassuring tug.

As she departed, I snuck a piece of flatbread with care,

But my moment of delight vanished with the roar of planes in the air.

My arms felt numb as I dashed toward the outside,

And there stood Mama, her hijab held with pride, her abaya flowing like a gentle tide.

Above, the planes roared, Mama turned with a smile,

Her eyes moistened, each moment feeling like a mile.

From afar, her face glowed with ethereal light,

As if heavenly radiance pierced the night.

"Stay safe, hayati, we'll meet in Jannah's embrace, Our beloved paradise, our eternal resting place."

In the blink of an eye, she vanished, gone.

Smoke filled the air, at the peak of dawn.

I yearned to dash toward her, but felt a tug,

Baba's arms enveloped me in a comforting hug.

Tears streamed down his face, as the building crumbled, erased.

For it was more than just a structure, forever displaced.