Carl Stilwell AKA CaLokie

Nine-year-old Maryam Abdulaziz Mahmoud Davvas, who took shelter with her family at a displacement center in 

Gaza City due to ongoing Israeli attacks, has become unable to walk because of severe malnutrition. Maryam, who 

weighed 55 pounds before the escalation, has dropped to just 22 pounds. Her family is calling for medical 

evacuation and nutritional support to keep her alive. (Ahmed Jihad Ibrahim Al-arini Anadolu via Getty Images) 

This image is one in a series highlighting the suffering of children in Gaza, where a humanitarian disaster is 

escalating and civilians are starving. See the series at latimes.com/opinion/story/famines-toll-on-children-in-gaza .

A HOLOCAUST VILLANELLE 

Do not gaze into that demonic Gaza night. 

From the sight of starving skeletal kids look away. 

Deny, deny there's any dying of the light. 

Although international law says collective punishment is a war crime,  

keep killing innocents by bombing, gunfire and forced starvation everyday. 

Do not gaze into that demonic Gaza night. 

Granted, bombed building rubble on streets is a sore sight. ’ 

In defense against terrorism, insist it’s the only way. 

Deny, deny there's any dying of the light. 

Listen not to those calling Israel’s war against Gaza a genocide. 

On Hamas, the sufferings of Palestinians lay the blame. 

Do not gaze into that demonic Gaza night. 

Tell doubters to always look on the bright side. 

Assure winning war against Hamas will bring a better day.  

Deny, deny there's any dying of the light. 

Do not pay any attention to your lying eyes, 

Only believe what your government and mainstream media say. 

Do not not gaze into that demonic Gaza night. 

Deny, deny there's any dying of the light.