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.
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*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.
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My Personal Review of My Own Poem "Sailing Through Gaza's Sand" by Leni Marlina
*Sailing Through Gaza's Sand* by Leni Marlina is a touching and powerful poem that captures the strength, faith, and hope of the children of Gaza, despite the hardships they face. Marlina’s beautiful language and vivid pictures create a strong story that both moves the heart and makes one think deeply.
Themes
The main theme of the poem is the unbreakable spirit of the children of Gaza. Marlina shows these children not as victims, but as symbols of strength and hope. The poem highlights their strong faith and resilience despite the difficult situations they are in. The frequent references to God and fate suggest a belief in a higher power and a divine plan, which brings a sense of comfort and purpose in the midst of chaos.
Imagery and Symbolism
Marlina’s use of imagery is especially strong. The opening lines, "As our little steps dance on the sands of Gaza, / Under a sky filled with wounds and touching tales," set a serious yet hopeful tone. The sand of Gaza represents both the land they walk on and the passage of time marked by conflict and resilience. The sky "filled with wounds" refers to the ongoing conflict, while "touching tales" hints at the stories of survival and hope that come out of such hard times.
The poem’s religious and spiritual tones are clear in lines like "The power of God, evident in every grain of sand in time" and "Every prayer of ours bursts like fireworks." These lines show the children’s faith as a source of strength, portraying their prayers as powerful and meaningful.
Emotional Impact
The emotional heart of the poem is in its depiction of innocence and suffering alongside hope and faith. Marlina’s words resonate deeply, especially in lines like "Through hearts as delicate as silk, resounding prayers, / All is a symphony of the Creator." Here, the delicate nature of the children's hearts is contrasted with the strength of their prayers, creating a picture of fragile yet powerful resilience.
The poem also touches on the broader effects of the children's suffering, urging readers to "ponder, amidst this vast world, / That God's power is real in Gaza, the land of Palestine." This call to reflection adds a universal aspect to the poem, inviting people around the world to recognize and feel for the plight of Gaza's children.
Structure and Style
The poem’s free verse structure allows for a natural and flowing expression of emotions and thoughts. Marlina’s choice of words is both poetic and easy to understand, making the poem simple to read while also rich in meaning. The repetition of phrases like "We, the children of Gaza" helps to emphasize the collective identity and shared experience of these children, adding a rhythmic quality to the poem.
Conclusion
*Sailing Through Gaza's Sand* is a beautifully written poem that conveys a strong message of resilience and hope. Leni Marlina’s skillful use of imagery, symbolism, and emotional language creates a vivid and moving picture of the children of Gaza. This poem is a tribute to the enduring human spirit and a reminder of the strength found in faith and hope amidst hardship. It leaves a lasting impression, encouraging readers to think about the deep impact of conflict on innocent lives and the unbreakable spirit of those who endure it.
