We bleed to death
On pavements,
On roads,
On land
That welcomes us
In homecoming.
For what else are we,
But the land personified,
In drops of blood?
What else are we
But the lineage of the grains of sand
On the beaches of Gaza,
The pips of olive fruit
From trees that embraced us
During the storm?
We are of the Land,
And to it we return.
Grandchild and daughter of Nakba survivors, and refugees from Jerusalem, Noor Mo’alla creates poetry that deeply resonates with the themes of displacement, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Palestinian people. Their work, rich with the poignant imagery of struggle and survival, reflects a profound connection to their heritage and the collective memory of loss and hope. Noor’s verses navigate the realms of both personal and collective experiences, capturing the essence of a life marked by history’s shadows and the light of enduring hope. Their poems, characterised by striking portrayals of conflict and peace, desolation and unity, not only bear witness to their family’s expulsion from Jerusalem during the Nakba but also resonate universally with themes of strength in adversity. In their writing, the nuanced realities of diaspora life are unveiled, creating a tapestry of stories that echo the yearnings of those seeking home.
