Sailing Through Gaza's Sand*
By: Leni Marlina**
We, the children of Gaza, convey this message to the world.
As our little steps dance on the sands of Gaza,
Under a sky filled with wounds and touching tales,
Dawns a sunrise that never fades,
The power of God, evident in every grain of sand in time.
We see the world with blind eyes,
Marvels, extraordinary, woven here amidst ruins and prayers,
Through hearts as delicate as silk, resounding prayers,
All is a symphony of the Creator.
No star falls in vain, no wind blows empty,
Every small footprint, every laughter on our lips,
Perfectly inscribed in Allah's book of destiny,
In love and immeasurable power.
Though struck by sorrows from the hands of those who feign power,
We, the children of Gaza, grow stronger,
Working in Allah's names always,
Miracles flow in our veins,
Beautiful plans rolling waves of hope.
Believe, with all your heart,
Every prayer of ours bursts like fireworks,
Never deviating from God's rainbow,
The Creator, the owner of all power.
Let's ponder, amidst this vast world,
That God's power is real in Gaza, the land of Palestine,
In every child rising from wounds,
His work is present, touching, bringing joy.
-----
*It was originally written in Leni Marlina's private poetry collection in 2011 in Padang, West Sumatra.
**Since 2006, she has held the esteemed position of lecturer at the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang in Indonesia. Additionally, she has been an active member of the writers' associations Satu Pena in West Sumatra, Indonesia since 2022, and Victoria Writers in Australia since 2012.