Serenade to a Syria Rebuilding | by Andre Bshara

Whose freedom is at stake?
When one bids the other die
It seems as though a trick
Or more often a lie

After a shattered peace
Arises a bruiséd heart
And despite what both had seized
In doing have stayed apart

When my brother bids me die
A part of me already has
Our unity may belie
The broken nation’s chance

Oh Syria, I fear
In the footing that you lack
We humans who take our share
Will bid the wolves attack

Not your ideals or your ways
Or the fire in your soul
-but the vulture’s certain craze
when others watch, idle

Feared not in your truth or habit
For those may well be good
-but as traps drawn to rabbits
I fear flesh caught in a wood

Oh Syria, I beg
To keep your vision wide
And while still on a backened leg
To note who steps by your side

My heart, though scarred, sings hope
bound by stars two or three
At your people’s virtue and scope –
Those free seeking to be more free

Andre Bshara was born in Cleveland, Ohio, where he is currently training to be a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician. Andre’s medical focus lies in providing critical care in global and refugee settings. His writing serves as a reprieve from his busy medical life; otherwise, he enjoys being outside, exercising, playing video games, and reading.