In a world frequently overshadowed by cruelty, hatred, and division, individuals often search for ways to comprehend these difficult realities and seek out sources of resilience to overcome despair. Among numerous forms of written expression that address such challenges, poetry holds a distinctive place due to its profound ability to communicate the significance of unity, solidarity, and hope, even amid pain, suffering, and grief.
The power of poetic voice
Poetry excels at expressing what prose may struggle to convey, distilling complex emotions and experiences into lines that capture both delight and despair, resonating deeply with readers. Emily Dickinson, for instance, employed playful, ironic, and enigmatic verse to probe concepts of identity and authenticity.
In her poem I’m a Nobody! Who are You?, Dickinson highlights the genuine lives and relationships of “nobodies”, contrasting them with “somebodies” seeking validation through fame and fortune, likening their pursuit to a frog croaking in a bog. Through gentle satire of societal norms, Dickinson advocates for authenticity and individuality.
Beyond this, Dickinson explores hope in Hope is the Thing with Feathers, likening it to a bird perched in our souls that “sings the tune without the words and never stops at all”, vividly illustrating hope’s enduring and uplifting presence during times of difficulty.
In contrast, Maya Angelou confronts pain, hatred, and injustice with directness, reflecting her experiences as a Black woman. Her poem Still I Rise is a bold and joyous proclamation of resilience, with lines such as “through dreams and hopes springing high: Still I rise”. Angelou’s poetry radiates defiance and a triumphant spirit, even when facing oppression and adversity.
Young Palestinian voices
Many poems address universal themes of resilience and hope, yet the works of three young Palestinian poets—Dana El-Wakeel, Leena Al-Halimi, and Lama Kuhail—are particularly poignant. Published in 2023 and 2024 by the Hands Up Project, these poets, aged just 14 and 16, have endured immense hardship. Nevertheless, their poetry movingly communicates friendship, resilience, and hope for a future free from hatred, unified by shared humanity and love for each other and the planet.
Dana El-Wakeel: In Me and the Moon
Dana’s poem delves into themes of loneliness and comfort. She describes finding solace during tragedy in her confidante, Lily, whose empathy and care help her recall happier times. The poem concludes with Dana’s heartfelt gratitude for Lily, her “moon”, who fills her life with joy and delight:
I was sad from my loneliness
I comfort my heart on my tragedies
I spoke to Lily about my darkness
She listened with care and finesse
Together we remembered the bright daylight
Our hearts laughed loudly and with all our might
Lily, my moon, thanks for filling me with delight
Lama Kuhail: My Gaza…
Lama’s poem is a testament to courage amid adversity. Set in Gaza’s streets – where pain is ever-present – the poem urges the world to recognise the ongoing suffering. Despite the darkness and brokenness, the resilience and courage of Gaza’s people shine through. The lines evoke perseverance and a pursuit of hope:
In Gaza’s Streets, where pain does flow,
A wounded land, the world must know.
Through darkened skies and broken ground,
A son of courage still resounds.
With every tear and every fight,
They chase the dawn,
Defy the night.
Leena Al-Halimi: Hope Never Stops
Leena’s poem addresses nature’s suffering from pollution, disease, and conflict. Despite these challenges, she asserts that hope endures, envisioning a future where the damage is healed and nature thrives once more. The poem urges collective action to restore happiness and wellbeing:
Nature’s eyes often cry,
Till her tears are dry
For how long will it suffer?
Pollution, diseases, and fighting each other,
But there is always hope
That damage one day will stop.
Plains are green again
Light erases the pain
Let’s together
Draw a smile on our mother’s mouth.
These poems feature in the Hands Up Project’s publications of children’s poetry from Palestine and beyond, many of which are dramatic and deeply moving. The death of two contributors lends a tragic note to these collections. Dana and Leena’s poems appear in Moon Tell Me Truth (2023), while Lama’s is included in Oh Big Blue’(2024).
Sing 4 Gaza: Violins & Roses event
An opportunity to hear more from these young Palestinian poets and others, as well as to purchase the books, will be available at a special event at Kennington Village Centre hosted by the group Sing 4 Gaza on 14/02/2026, from 15:00 to 16:30. Entitled Violins & Roses, this event will encompass music, film, dance, and poetry, and will function as a fundraiser for the Hands Up Project.
The charity trust is committed to supporting children’s education, achievements, and aspirations, and to upholding their right to play through drama and storytelling activities. Through a global volunteer network, the charity also seeks to foster understanding of the realities faced by children in Gaza and to connect children worldwide with those in Palestine.
Editor’s note: West England Bylines has previously published more of the incredible and moving poetry by the children of Gaza:
Poems by the children of Gaza (2)
Poems by the children of Gaza (3)
Comments? We want to hear them. Please write to editor@westenglandbylines.co.uk
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