Dabka Is Resistance

Dabka Is Resistance It’s not just a dance (Though dancing it is) It’s not just a great workout (Though good cardio it is) It’s not just a form of entertainment (Though entertaining to watch it is) It is, above all, resistance. When I, a Palestinian, do the dabka in a relaxed setting, What I am essentially saying with my body is: I’m not forgetting - The past Not forgiving the present situation Not giving in to an illegal occupation - I resist. They may have the land - for now But occupy our reasoning - just how Can they expect us to foolishly give in Our falafels as theirs and keffiyehs as fashion What’s next - will Arabic be their “own” language as well While expecting us to meekly submit behind the apartheid walls we dwell? I resist. Divide a community with a wall And spill all the blood they want, There is One taking their every deed in account Whether they remember it or not Be you from the East or West, it doesn’t matter where As long as in the name of justice we resist To be divided in spirit. From Gaza to Ramallah to Jerusalem, Join hands in a circle and do the dabka From Hebron to Nablus to Jenin, Join hands in a circle and do the dabka From every corner of Palestine, And all the way to Canada, I’ll join hands in a circle and do the dabka, I’ll join hearts in a circle and do the dabka. Dabka is resistance To becoming bitter from anger and abuse Dabka is resistance To being blinded by the truth Dabka is resistance To becoming passive and neglectful Dabka is resistance To ever stop being proactive and hopeful In His mercy and His will To fix things still Dabka is resistance. Dabka is Strong spirits, strong minds, Strength of kindness one of a kind Strong characters, strong perseverance Strength of ongoing patient endurance And it shows with every bold step that we take With every synchronized step that we make And every graceful wave that is waved - Dabka is resistance. -Aya Salah Mar.22, 2014