An ode to dust

By Saad Halawani

Everything is covered in blue and grey
The dust this time is different
Dust erupts, and settles
Faces covered in dust
Faces look all the same
In the steel blue of the dust
Tears engrave ravines on cheeks
Through the dust
Clothes and houses are covered in dust
Toys are covered in dust
They miss the hands of children
But children are also covered in dust
Dust will accumulate
Into ashes
From the ashes
Like the phoenix
We will rise!

This text is part of the anthology Reflections on US! compiled by researchers at Coventry University, The full volume can be found here.

Saad Halawani is currently researching leadership on environmental issues in the Occupied Palestinian Territories at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University. Saad has a 27-year career as a complex programmes manager with a demonstrated history of working on developmental themes with a focus on youth, women and marginalised communities. He is skilled in non-profit organisations, intercultural communication and dialogue, program evaluation, and international relations, especially in the Palestinian context and the wider MENA region. Saad has a strong understanding of conflict theory and its impact on society and youth. He has demonstrated experience in managing multi-million dollar programmes in conflict situations.