I walked down the beach

And when I returned, I could tell he had been crying.

My new friend on the phone

To his despaired mother

As anguished as his father, 

Twin brother and sisters and nephew. 

Desperate to see their boy, brother, uncle.

They mocked him for leaving Gaza five years ago

But now they wish… 

…Wish he was with them.

Here. (On Greek adventures).

Or there.

Home.

The flat that blew up last year. 

Flat.

And nightmare night 

After nightmare night

Crushes the soul.

And makes one wonder: “Will I ever sleep soundly again?"

And “how dare I sleep soundly, while these friends can’t.”

And millions enter final sleep

While we sit and watch sunsets and buy souvenirs.

While millions more get to keep nightmares like souvenirs

from trials they didn’t ask for. 

And if only they could have one night of peace, 

Is that too much to ask for?

Peace be upon you dear friend,

And may your sleep be sweet.