For Refaat Alareer: Palestinian Poet, Professor, Writer

— 7 December 2024 —


“Each word a white kite / Soaring over global skies”

Rally in support of Palestine with white kites bearing Refaat's words [photo from 'We Are Not Numbers']


Dr Refaat Alareer was martyred in Gaza a year ago – on 7 December 2023. I’d been in touch with him after reading the poignantly powerful book, ‘Gaza Writes Back’ (Just World Books, 2014), which he edited. His brutal murder shook me deeply. 

Here is my tribute to honour this brave and brilliant academic, poet, and author. 


FOR REFAAT ALAREER

~ Shivani Chaudhry  ~


They feared your words, they killed you

But couldn't slay your words.

Your words are wisdom 

Hope and resistance 

Dreams and defiance

Praxis and pain

Courage and compassion

Truth and love

 

Each word a white kite

Soaring over global skies

Echoing in halls of justice

In every language of our souls

In every river of freedom

Your words, immortal

Your life, a timeless tale, always

Inspiring the world to 'write back'

 

Let no one ever say words are powerless

===

Refaat Alareer in Kuala Lumpur (2014) to promote the book ‘Gaza Writes Back’ [Photo credit: The Star/Filepic]


Read Refaat's stirring last poem—'If I Must Die'—now translated into multiple languages:

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