To awaken one morning and brush away the remnants of sleep from my eyes, to gaze at the ticking hands of the clock with a lazy yawn, and then drift back into my daydreams. Yet, before long, I gather myself, leap from bed, and dash eagerly toward the day’s path…
To breathe deeply, filling my lungs with a steady inhale, releasing a warm sigh, and exhaling all burdens. Tranquility and peace flow through my veins like a gentle river…
To spot the nightingales and sparrows, delighting in their cheerful approach to my window. I scatter crumbs for them to peck at with joy, and soon the sun rises, bathing the world in its golden glow. The birds sing enchanting melodies, weaving their nests on the branches of a garden tree, painting happiness across my face…
To inhale the fragrant scent of flowers and quench my soul’s thirst with their sweet aroma. Holding them close to my heart, their delicate essence fills every corner of my being…
To luxuriate in a warm bubble bath, the air is perfumed with fragrant oils and the soft glow of candles. Perhaps I might doze off, surrendering to daydreams as a yellow duck bobs alongside me. The water washes away the weariness—both of mind and body—offering a sanctuary of rest…
To prepare a light breakfast of creamy white cheese, paired with my favorite cup of tea and a drizzle of black honey that lends a rich sweetness. The aroma of freshly baked bread completes the simple delight…
To feel my body free from strain, my mind calm and untroubled. Listening to the harmonious melodies of the flute and violin, their tunes awaken emotions within, soothing my soul and steadying my heartbeats…
To wear a silky dress and spin before the mirror, imagining myself in a magical world where I’m one of the most radiant princesses, surrounded by the soft hues of a rainbow…
To sway gently on the balcony, swing as the breeze plays through strands of my chestnut hair. The air is cool and refreshing, the weather serene and bright…
To kiss my mother’s forehead with gratitude and lose myself in her warm embrace, whispering kind words that brighten her smile and bring joy to her heart. It’s the simplest gestures that make my day fulfilling and rich with contentment…
To capture photos of life’s small wonders—a giggling infant, a playful kitten with silky fur, or an amusing ladybug with its tiny black-spotted red shell. These cherished images find a home in albums dedicated to their unique charm…
To rest my hands on the pages of my favorite book, underlining profound and meaningful phrases with care. After quenching my thirst for knowledge, I close the book gently, grateful for all it has taught me…
To play with my orange cat, tossing her a sponge ball that she bats and tears with her tiny claws. Her playful antics make me laugh, and I reward her with her favorite treats…
To stroll through my garden, watering each tree and shrub, harvesting ripe fruits awaiting their time. I savor berries, cherries, peaches, grapes, and kiwis, alongside coconuts, strawberries, apples, and plums. How I long for the taste of them all…
To smile deeply at the simplicity of rural life, with its green meadows, wooden brown houses, and a soft blue sky adorned with fluffy white clouds…
To gather scattered seashells along the shoreline, threading them one by one onto a delicate string to craft a harmonious necklace, draping it proudly around my neck…
To prepare a pot of vegetable soup, enhance its flavors with cloves and broccoli. The moment is magical as steam rises, filling the air with its tantalizing aroma. With closed eyes, I take a sip, savoring its warmth and richness…
To play soft melodies on the harmonica, my voice resonates in deep, soulful tones, as the echoes of music surround me, sending chills down my spine…
To watch the sunset, a breathtaking spectacle where the horizon meets the sea, like a masterpiece of art that captivates the eyes and halts the world in wonder. How extraordinary nature is…
To drift into a deep sleep, wrapped in smooth silk covers, as the night is filled with the peculiar yet comforting chirps of crickets. For me, their odd tunes lull me into a sense of safety and peace…
To marvel at the clouds moving in the night sky, as the moon shines through their veils, surrounded by a mesmerizing sprinkle of stars…
To play hide-and-seek and hopscotch with children, leaping high and tossing leaves into the air, plucking flowers, and teasing bees by stealing their honey…
To visit my grandfather’s old cottage, sipping steaming coffee while listening to his humorous tales. Together, we laugh wholeheartedly, sharing a moment of pure joy…
To hear the train’s bell as it echoes through the mountains, watching people rush aboard as their journey begins, leaving for destinations unknown…
To help my grandfather gather firewood to grill shrimp, then sit on sturdy rocks as he recounts stories from “One Thousand and One Nights.” Later, we enjoy marshmallows by the fire, gazing at the moonlight and listening to the crackling flames…
To say to my grandfather, “Grandpa, let’s take the boat to catch more shrimp.”
He chuckles and asks, “What would we gain with more? Are you still hungry?”
Smiling, I reply eagerly, “No, but we can sell them at the market and become rich! Then we can truly enjoy life!”
With wisdom, he responds, “I already enjoy this simple life. Remember, my dear, wealth isn’t necessary to appreciate life.”
To live life with simplicity, embracing its finest moments…
To be content with little and help others with sincerity and love…
To break free from negativity and complexity, living with positivity and ease…
To dream, above all, of a world where war no longer echoes through the skies…
To walk once more on the soil of my homeland, barefoot and free,
Where peace hums in the air like a lullaby, and serenity returns to my days.
These are the deepest longings of my soul—
Not for riches, but for the return of calm, and the right to live in stillness, in joy, and in home.
Reem Sleem
Reem Sleem is an English literature student at Al-Azhar University, displaced from Gaza to Egypt. A writer of stories and articles, she has previously written for the websites Electronic Intifada, the Institute of Palestine Studies, and We Are Not Numbers.
Shahd Rajab is an artist from Gaza. Her GoFundMe account is located here. Follow her on Instagram at shahd_rajab51.
