Thank you, Ziad, for sharing your father’s story with me. I am inspired by his deep connection to the land and people of Palestine. Drinking a cup of olive oil each morning and valuing the olive trees as more than his own property is a testament to us awe. Here is the poem I wrote in his honor:
Landing On, Peace for Palestine
More than a father just
The life of the olive branch
Runs through his veins
Transfusing every mourning
Giving berth to new dawnings
As the land and I are won
As worthy sentries honor land
Rooting for life
Offering both rest and flight
Fore awe who nest
As sure as God’s heir
Brings breath to stone
And thou dust inspire
All that is well courses through us
Teaching soully
As the sores of life can
As millions of sons
Shine from the heavens
Even more sow on the darkest night
And unblinded by any high noon
Peace
We land on
