Peace and Love for Gaza
by Basman Aldirawi
My study of physiotherapy teaches me
to ask reasonable questions before
targeting inflammation.
Even when treating a person in pain,
I should ask first
Is the inflammation a natural response?
Is the pain a scream from an underlying trauma or wound?
I have also learned a new physiotherapy treatment protocol
called PEACE and LOVE,
avoiding the use of anti-inflammatory agents,
a protocol that encourages looking deep into the roots of the injury.
My study of biology teaches me we are all the same
I see flesh, bones and brains,
I hold them in my hands
and can confirm that no one has privilege in creation.
My study of biomechanics teaches me,
the tissue tends to resist against aggression.
The tissue needs to move freely.
My poetry teaches me to wear others’ shoes
even if they are tight to walk in.
This is humanity.
Basman Aldirawi (also published under Basman Derawi) is a Palestinian physiotherapist, writer and poet from Gaza. he has contributed dozens of stories/poems to the online platform We Are Not Numbers and other platforms including ArabLit, Mondoweiss and Vivamost. Also, participated as a co-author in a book; Light in Gaza: Writings Born of Fire, 2022 and the Arabic poetry anthology; Gaza, the land of poetry, 2021.