  This is a poem by Naomi Shihab Nye that juxtaposes peace and war in Palestine. The poet provides commentary on how bombing schools and stifling laughter have replaced a time in Palestine when "Once singing would rise/in sweet sirens over the hills". It is a sad, melancholy poem with a valuable lesson to teach. It illustrates the devastation of war on a civilization through focusing on daily rituals, celebrations, greetings and pastimes. And at its core is the reality of ethnic and religious tensions that perpetuate discrimination throughout the world. 
