Poem of the week: […] by Fady Joudah

The poem explores the aftermath of a devastating blast, focusing on a little girl who is rescued from the rubble. Initially, she experiences a moment of joy and pride as rescuers praise her strength, but this fleeting happiness quickly turns to despair as she realizes her family is missing. The poet, Fady Joudah, reflects on the nature of disasters, suggesting that all disasters, including this one, are natural because humans are part of nature. This perspective challenges the binary view of disasters as either natural or man-made. Joudah's work is deeply personal, as he has lost over 100 family members to Israeli air strikes. His poetry often conveys a sense of anguish and loss, using a minimalist style that captures profound emotions. The poem's imagery evokes a haunting scene, with rescuers transformed into 'ghosts' amidst the rubble, highlighting the tragic consequences of violence. The girl's experience serves as a poignant reminder of the innocence lost in conflict. Her initial smile symbolizes a brief connection to her past life, filled with love and praise from her family. However, the realization of her isolation and the weight of her loss plunge her back into despair, illustrating the psychological impact of such traumatic events. Ultimately, Joudah's poem not only reflects on individual suffering but also critiques broader themes of violence and erasure in the context of the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The use of the pictogram as a title and motif underscores the complexities of identity and memory in the face of tragedy.