Three Empty Chairs

In October's dawn, when peace became a stain to remain,

A mother and sons were taken, their tears to remain.
Red hair in sunlight, young Kfir held close to sustain,

Four months old - too brief a life allowed to remain.
Ariel, just four, whose laughter should still entertain,

Now silent stories of childhood refuse to remain.
Empty promises made, their words proved in vain,

Another mother's absence forced to remain.
Her husband freed, but what comfort can he obtain

When memories of three lost loves must remain?
Seventy others in Gaza still bear the chain,

While history watches, some choose to abstain, remain.
Shiri means "my song," let her story constrain

Those who'd let such barbarity silently remain.

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Original Article: Remains of young mom Shiri Bibas, taken hostage and killed by Hamas, not returned despite promise, Israel says

Disclosure: The views and interpretations expressed in this work reflect the artistic perspective of the original article. While we strive for factual accuracy in news references, the emotional responses and creative interpretations do not necessarily represent the views of The Literary Wire, the contributors, or its staff.

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Burning Questions

• Poetry has long served as a way to process and remember tragic events. What role do you think poetry can or should play in helping us engage with difficult events?

• What does the repeated use of the word "remain" make you think about regarding both personal loss and historical memory?

• Throughout history, the fate of civilians, especially children, has often galvanized public response to conflict. How does this influence both diplomatic efforts and public discourse?