“Wings, claws & tail extended,

This dove uplifts the people, defended!

Like ancient olive trees, roots deep in the sand,

People belong to the land.

Land where daily prayers caress the earth,

And dancing feet stomp in rhythm,

Land where both nourishment &

Sacred burial grounds are found.

Blood, blood soaked in the earth,

So many precious lives…

May this blood nourish rebirth.

Where everybody thrives.

Thrives & live to tell their stories,

Stories beyond comprehension.

Each atrocity … a ripple of devastation.

Oh infinite Divine Love!

Pierce every heart turned cold,

To release the poison of hate ‘n domination.

For this dove brings peace…

…& peace requires liberation!

Freedom from genocide & colonial occupation,

Freedom to thrive in healthy self determination.

So we co-create a world guided by love & respect,

Where we celebrate the sacredness of life, & protect...

The people are crying, raging & rising for this freedom.

And every - body shrouded in white,

grows as seeds of wisdom.

Wisdom that stops cycles of supremacy &

ends all colonization,

The people of Palestine must be free!

So we rise for collective liberation!”

Infinite blessings, in fiercely loving solidarity,

-Erika Merz