William Kelii Kekaula Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

Poetic Form: Rhyme

The Children of Gaza Poetry Contest

Sponsor: Matt Caliri

Entry Submitted: 2025 September 25

Contest Judged: 2026 February 23

Contest Placement: 2nd Place

The Children of Gaza

Where is the keeper of their hearts and their souls' bearer,
and what of the light of their eyes, that constant nowhere, 
of that they share within their hollow frame, that dusty air,
yet, playing with a tossed dud grenade, elders won’t dare,
it’s written in their faith that their hands lack none to care,
but familial ties, severed by death or their pictures poster,
evocates a gaping hole; once stood a home, since former,
stillness glare, gifts none perturbed, vengeance a partner,
dethroned, stands amongst crowds alone, a new chapter,
the questions faced: of lacking food yet plenty of despair,
pray that they slumber and gifted words a place to hover.

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Matt Caliri February 23, 2026 at 6:53 PM Congrats William on placing 2nd in my contest out of 35 entries!! I love the pace of images you present. Aloha, brother. William Kelii Kekaula February 24, 2026 at 10:01 AM Mahalo, Matt, for my wonderful placement furthered by your thoughtful share in your great contest ~ William

Valsa George September 30, 2025 at 5:02 AM Now there is only despair and death, where once dreams flourished. Sad is the plight of the children of Gaza. They suffer from starvation and are made homeless. A poem stirring both sympathy and dread. William Kelii Kekaula September 30, 2025 at 10:50 AM Expressing human emotions of grief, despair, or empathy that reflect on the tragic conflict in Gaza is a heartfelt creation through poetry, which is a powerful medium or tool, to convey the unfolding tragedy via my perspective. Thank you.

Eve Roper September 26, 2025 at 4:15 PM Power forward, my friend. Those last two lines gives Hope. Enjoy reading. William Kelii Kekaula September 26, 2025 at 6:59 PM Peace lies in their hearts and in their spirits that Heaven assures: Mahalo, my friend.

Aurore Severo September 25, 2025 at 11:05 PM Genocide, and sad so many poets lost their voices. William Kelii Kekaula September 26, 2025 at 12:51 AM Pictures of my mind transcend beyond circumstances where external conditions are challenging. Recognizing reality beyond its present state takes self-control of what one cannot alter, and of what one can accomplish. William Kelii Kekaula September 26, 2025 at 12:51 AM Being stalwart, I refrain from negative assumptions to find peace and take productive action. Fester not in the ills of humanity, and focus on giving peace a chance. Thank you, and Aloha, from Hawaii.