The machine will grind you down, but the machine is not bigger than the imagination. Rome fell in a day. We know this.

I will dance and resist and dance and persist and dance. This heartbeat is louder than death.

Your war drum ain't / louder than this breath.

Writing must always have intention because words have power.

I understand now my father really thought he was doing me good. Education means a lot to Palestinians. We’ve become some of the most educated people in the world through our diaspora. We’ve had to be. When you ain’t got land, your degree may be your only solid ground. May father felt (feels) that being a doctor would give me security. How can I explain that I’m not safe from anything if I don’t write?

I came from a traditional immigrant family where education meant there were only a few valid paths: doctor or lawyer - and I didnt want to be either one.

Do not fear what has blown up. If you must, fear the unexploded.