Eyes are for looking
Eyes are for looking
And seeing sun
Tongues are for greeting
And saying fun
Legs are for walking slowly
And also run
Hands are for shaking
with friends
Not for shooting gun
© Fatema Saidam, 9.
Source: https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/2024/05/new-
exhibition-moon-tell-me-truth-art-and-poems-from-the-children-of-gaza/
Hands Up Project Founder Nick Bilbrough said: ‘Despite the extremely challenging
conditions experienced by the young people in Gaza for the whole of their lives,
they still manage to produce inspirational poetry, plays and stories in English.
All of us at the Hands Up Project are deeply honoured and proud that their unique
voices may be amplified in the wider world.’Tragically, most students featured in the exhibition are now displaced and their
schools have been damaged or destroyed during the war on Gaza. Two students
were killed by Israeli airstrikes in October 2023 – Obada Mohammad Abu Oda, 14,
and Fatema Saidam, 9.
*
IF you’re in that area:
Hosted by the Scottish Poetry Library,
the exhibition will be open
28 May – 22 July
Mon-Thu
10am to 3pm –
free and accessible to all.
Fatema’s poem Eyes Are for Looking has been translated and shared worldwide.
Sharing this on my website is my heartfelt contribution.
Rest In Peace, little Fatema.
*
Thanks for reading.
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It’s such a tragedy and it’s still ongoing with the support from the west
Horrendous!!
Thanks Sadje.
Such a real emotional words use in poem. I salute the nine years Little girl Fatema.
Thanks dearly, Raj.
This is a sad time in the history of humanity. Thanks for reading and commenting. 🤗
Most welcome, Selma.
I know sad time inthe history of humanity for Gaza war attacked.
REST IN PEACE!🙏
Heartbreaking
Indeed. A helpless feeling. 😔 thanks for reading MaryG. Bee cool
Wow, so beautifully said.
I agree
What a beautiful poem .
Such a tragedy what is going on 😪
How did we get here?! It’s like any dystopian novel. We need more world-building novels that remind us of our humanity. Things need to change! Now
Absolutely my friend !
We can but hope 🙏
She was 9 years old and saw what life should be so clearly. Imagine the poet she could have become. Thank you for sharing her poem.
Now all we have is imagination. She could have become… glad these words from her remain. Thanks, Heather. 🤗
Thank you Selma for sharing this poem. I love the little flowers and petals drawn beside these beautiful and innocent words. One can not help but cry over so much sadness and loss. This young human being “Fatema Saidam, 9” knew guns were not meant for our hands, what a tragedy and what a great loss, is any child. This is a blessing to read and remember all the innocent lives that have been lost just because of where they are physically living. Many thanks Selma!
Thanks for reading Joni.
RIP little poet.
“From the mouth of babes,” love and truth sing true. 💕🕊️
Isn’t it the truth! 🕊️
Heartbreaking. (K)
So sad. 😭
a wonderful read, thanks Selma : pairs well with my pigeon poem 🙂
Yes. Indeed. Pairs well with the pigeon poem. Blessings kind Sir