My Sweet Daughter

In May 2001, Iman Hejo, 4 months old, became the youngest Palestinian to be killed by the Israelis.

My heart is burning,
My homeland is sinking
In a sea of blood, we are all drifting

They aimed at my Sweet Daughter
My precious rose, the bullet pierced through,
Shocked I stare, your eyes are closed

My sweet daughter, my tears are falling
Your stomach is open, staring at my face, calling:
The brutality is appalling, so appalling,

My sweet daughter,
Seeing your toys, I will cry.
Your memories are widely spread,
As wide as the sky

Your smile, will forever shine
Your laughter will forever echo
in this heart of mine

In the morning, to your bed I will fly,
I will extend my arms,
Lift you high in the air,
Hold you as tight as a teddy bear
See my empty arms!
As quietly I drop my head
And silently cry

In the evening , I will fix your bed, I will stare,
at your angel-like face, feel your soft hair,
See your empty bed!
As quietly I drop my head
And silently cry,
To me, you will never die

I love you, I love you
I will always love you.
My precious child

Forever I will ask why … why?
Why kill my four months old baby?
My sweet precious daughter,
Why … why?

I will, forever weep,
My tears will never dry,
My heart will forever cry


M Turani