A Room of My Own: Chalk Poppies Haiku

Against the Drowning Noise of Other Words, LXXXIV: "Palestinian poppies"

slanted moonlight

on a half-collapsed school wall

chalk poppies bloom

FYI: "The Palestinian poppy (Anemone coronaria) is a non-official but more recognizable national symbol of Palestine. It's red, with black center and green leaves, evoking the primary colors of the Palestinian flag. And it symbolizes the relationship between Palestinians and their land, the bloodshed they have endured, as well as their resistance against Israeli occupation."

Added: Against the Drowning Noise of Other Words, LXXXV: "smoldering rubble"

Gaza at twilight 

smoldering rubble, beyond 

smoldering rubble ...

Added: Against the Drowning Noise of Other Words, LXXXVI: "Aladdin"

calm between fireballs

the Gazan children huddle

around "Aladdin"

FYI: "Aladdin" is a Middle-Eastern folk tale. It is one of the best-known tales associated with One Thousand and One Nights. The story about Aladdin and his magic lamp and carpet has been popularized in the West by Disney adaptations.

Added: Against the Drowning Noise of Other Words, LXXXVII: "bombed-out schools"

screams cut off ...

another day, another school

bombed out

FYI BBC News, August 4: Casualties after third Israeli strike on school in a week

And Wikipedia: Attacks on schools during the Israeli invasion of Gaza: in July 2024, UNRWA stated nearly 120, or 70 percent, of their schools had been hit by Israeli attacks.

Added:

edge of border town

the barbed wire fence topped

with MAGA hats

Note: MAGA stands for "Make America Great Again"

Added: Game Show, 2024, LXI

for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz

campaign trail

they go low and lower

we go ew

Added: Game Show, 2024, LXII

[crowd] size matters!

the old man's mouth opens, closes

to the chants of USA!