The Caged Dove

Raza approached the rusty metal cage with extraordinary caution. Extraordinary because ordinary caution was too ordinary among children his age. They were taught to approach almost everything slowly and nimbly, unexploded bombs and missile parts were running rampant in their land and it was only normal that kids his age possessed a rather extensive knowledge of such unpleasant stuff. It was part of a self-designed plan by the elders to cut down on children casualties. When he was near enough, he gently prodded the rust infected cage and the captive inside opened an eye. He flinched and retraced a few steps. No sound came from within, but the cage reeked of a pungent smell. He leaned forward and took another whiff. He recognized that smell. Everyone recognized the smell of this particular disinfectant. When war's upon you, such things were the most useful.

He didn't know, but his mom was only a few paces behind him. She was changing pillow covers and had her only child's pillow in her arms. She smiled. Children were cute, but her's was the cutest. She would fondly watch Raza discover a lizard behind the fridge, Raza goggling at the pigeons' nest, Raza chasing cats. He was the apple of her eye, the twinkle of her eyes and everything else. He was a curious child and she loved to be a spectator to his curiosity. She prayed day and night that peace may come to their land. She wanted her child to explore the world, but they had to survive the current apocalypse first.


"Mama, what is this bird?" she was lost in her thoughts but Raza had sensed her. "Baby, this is a dove. It is the symbol of peace and freedom" she walked to the cage and lifted it.
"Is it dangerous, mama?"
"No, no. She's very harmless and friendly!"
"Why have you imprisoned her then?"
"Oh, this one's hurt you see", she used her other hand to rotate the cage, Raza saw that it's wing was a nasty dye of mustard and red and gasped. "She hurt her wing. I'm keeping her here so the cats don't eat her. When she'll be good to fly, I'll let her go" she said with a bright smile.

She wouldn't imprison a harmless bird. How could she? God knows she had witnessed enough of captivity. Her people were the injured dove in the cage, except that the cage was to prevent outside help and not to ward off threats. Every dawn they would pray for their children and brother's safety, and by every dusk there were cries of pain from the houses. It rained missiles and rockets in Palestine and her valiant brothers were desperately trying to hold the fort. Her husband had once been in the ranks too and now Raza was all she was left with.

1865 Palestinians dead, 9400 injured. The death toll rises.
Share and become the voice of peace. Peace for Ghaza.

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