Djanna Jaffar

Dear Mother,

I can only thank you
for putting food in my mouth,
...

When the flower is yet to sprout
Small insects bullied it
The flower said it's okay
One day I will grow big
...

We are the people of Gaza
Blood is our water
Scream is our song
Bomb is our wake up call
...

Flowers are red
Violets are blue
My love story fades
The unicorns flew
...

I was young and know nothing. I was angry and know nothing.
I hated myself and know nothing. I loathed everyone and know nothing.

I was attaining puberty and everything changes. Mentally, emotionally and physically my body was changing drastically. Still I am the troubled kid so I have to see a shrink. Later that week we found out that I have this sickness called Bipolar disease. I'm trying to cope but seems like everyone is my enemy. I feel my family's unwanted love for me. The kids in neighborhood's awkward look towards me. I feel like everyone wants to kill me but at the same time they want to revive me so I can feel the pain all over again.
...

Oh Ina,

Ako'y magpapasalamat
Sa pagkain na iyong ibinigay,
...

Does the sun ever shine
To the people of this dull town
So we sleep all day, weeks and months
And don't get anything done.
...