Ralf (Syrian boy fleeing home)

Ralf (Syrian Boy fleeing home)

I look at your angelic face peering upwards, smudged with dirt, eyes full of hope & wonder, and feel at a loss for words. Without knowing your circumstances, the image would elicit pure joy...but I do know. This moment is not joyful.

Your tiny hand outstretched in the peace symbol brings tears to my eyes, as you signal to those above who mean you harm. I doubt you understand any of it... or...  perhaps you already understand it better than I... 

I want to cradle you in my arms, as I do my own young son, shield your innocence that is being taken from you with every nearby explosion.  I want to embrace your mother too, draw strength in our shared motherhood, sisterhood, bonds that transcend nationality ... harness that universal power... together become strong enough to dismantle the ill intents of madmen ... who know nothing of humanity...or maternal love. 

*photo courtesy of a humanitarian aid worker in Syria, October 2019, fleeing with civilians after USA troops, ordered by 45th President, abandon their allies, the Kurds, leaving them to be pummeled by Turkish fighters. 

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