Have You Seen

by: Fatuma Qorane
Youth Category Winner
IWA Poetry Contest 2011

Have you seen the clothes I wear

While you go buy more, even though there isn’t the slightest tear

I only have one pair don’t you know

Have you seen where I live

While you have a nice home; yet you forget to give

I have no place to live don’t you know

Have you seen the place I sleep

While you buy beds as soft as the fur of a sheep

I sleep on the floor, hard like a rock don’t you know

Have you seen the way I appear

While you buy make up; my cries don’t you hear

I have no lotion for my dry face don’t you know

Have you seen the way I walk

Or the way I talk

I walk crookedly and I’ve got no voice don’t you know

Have you seen the food I eat

While you go buy more, even in the harsh heat

I have little food don’t you know

I’m a little girl in Palestine

Who’s dying of hunger in a place that’s not fine

Everyday I see people dying

“Will I die today” I wonder

When will I stop suffering

Will you ever answer my crying

I’m here awaiting you, don’t you know