Written as a letter from a father to his sleeping son, this short narrative poem describes a family waiting on a dark beach to board a boat. The father recalls their home in Homs, Syria, before the civil war, describing the bustling markets, the green outskirts, and the mosques. He contrasts these memories with the reality of the ruined city and the subsequent flight toward the Mediterranean Sea. The text focuses on the father’s prayer for his child’s safety against the indifference of the deep water.
This book serves readers interested in the human displacement crisis and the specific experiences of Syrian refugees. It appeals to those who prefer visual storytelling, as the text works in tandem with watercolor illustrations to depict the transition from peace to conflict. Readers walk away with a specific perspective on the internal anxiety of parents who cannot guarantee their children’s survival. It provides a brief but direct encounter with the physical and emotional weight of seeking asylum across dangerous maritime borders.
Inward-looking and contemplative; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Mindful Reader. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2018
- Language
- EN
