As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

by Zoulfa Katouh

“Auntie—don’t cry—when I go to Heaven—I’ll tell God—everything,”

I may escape from Syria. My feet could touch European shores, the waves of the sea lapping against my shivering legs and the salt air coating my lips. I would be safer. But I won’t have survived.

I’ve been force-fed oppression, but I will no longer swallow its bitter taste.

“Every lemon will bring forth a child and the lemons will never die out.”

“Do you see the colors?”

In the midst of all the death, he made me want to live.

might sound cheesy, but I’m sure our souls met way before they found their way into our bodies. I think that’s where we know each other from.”

It reminds me that as long as the lemon trees grow, hope will never die.