By Tori Kline

The barbed wire here is dripping
with thick razor blades to keep you like cattle
pregnant and confused, carrying water from the truck
to the latest generation of displaced.
Your breath hangs in sea haze
drifting from a body you’ll never see–  
only sip in rations
at the base of their four-story walls
made of limestone
and a language you cannot speak
save for a few words here and there–
the reasons that sing them to sleep.
Green boys and girls are picked early to parade
miles around your watering hole,
rounds itching to search your hijab.
Behind them, the lingering chainlink
mocks you with millions of holes
you could never disappear through.
Mother, I know
there is no room for hiding bombs
between the ribs on your chest
in the folds of your crow’s feet
and fabric.
You are only here for water.

Perspectives is a fully subsidized trip to Israel-Palestine which is offered to exceptional student leaders interested in exploring socio-political aspects of Israel and the Palestinian territories. This program is designed to break stereotypes and move away from polarizing soundbites and will give students the opportunity to learn about the people and diverse cultures existing in these areas first hand.