Life’s Ropes

by Asmaa Dwaima

“The rope of death hangs loose, burdened by countless souls clinging to it.”

We live in Gaza suspended between life and death, like clothes hanging on ropes. The rope of life remains nearly untouched, taut and straight, as it bears no weight. Meanwhile, the rope of death hangs loose, burdened by countless souls clinging to it. My short poem speaks of the overwhelming presence of death, its relentless persistence.

حبال الحياة

في الصباح ، أقوم بجولةٍ
في ساحةِ الحياة الرمادية
أجد الكثير من الحبال
، بعضها مشدود بقوة
مستقيم
كحبل الضحك والمرح
، والحياة
، خفيف الوزن
. بلا أشياء معلقة به

،بينما يتدلى البعض الآخر
متهدلاً رخواً
.. حتى يكاد يمس الأرض الحمراء
، كحبل الموت
حيث تتزاحم الأرواح
تتطلع إلى الأمل
في أن تجد
وسط كثافة الموت
. مكاناً واحدًا فقط

Life’s Ropes

In the morning, I take a stroll
Through the grey expanse of life.
I find many ropes—
Some pulled tight, straight
Like the ropes of laughter and joy,
Barely weighted down.

Others hang loose,
Nearly touching the red earth...
Like the rope of death,
Where souls crowd together,
Hoping
To find,
Amidst the density of death,
Just one single place.

Asmaa Dwaima is a Palestinian writer, poet, artist, and dentist. After being displaced multiple times since October 2023, she currently shelters with her family in southern Gaza. Her creative work delves into themes of loss, resilience, and identity, capturing the enduring strength of the Palestinian people. She is committed to preserving their stories and humanity amid ongoing conflict. You can find her on Instagram @salamitsasmaa.

SLOW ORBIT
SYZYGY