(In memory of Juliano Mer Khamis)

By Remi Kanazi

our paths
never crossed

work
mind
ideology
  daily
I’m sure

artist
teacher
director
advocate
intellect
father
son
funny man
much more

5 bullets
casings on the floor
blood painting the pavement
masked gunman gone
people chattering
fingers pointing
Israeli media
and politicians
sharpening knives

won’t let him rest
five minutes
before digging in
for points
serving an agenda
he fought daily

won’t let his kids
process
breathe
mourn
break down
gasp for breath

don’t know
what runs through
someone’s veins
before that trigger
is pulled
what excuse
what idea
allowed
oxygen to enter
that motion

wanted to meet you
shake hands
share coffee
say
keep working
it is appreciated
it is loved
it is felt
now
rest in peace
rest assured
your memory will
be a theater
open nights
until justice is served
freedom is brought
and a stage is set
that pities this landscape

– Remi Kanazi is the editor of  ‘Poets For Palestine’. Contact him at: Remroum@gmail.com and visit: visit www.poetsforpalestine.com. He contributed this poem to PalestineChronicle.com.