Peace

It was five years ago. I remember

the smell of the meat that my grandad

was cooking. I remember him calling me

to eat his meal with him. He called me

to sit with him because he knew

he was going to die. I can remember

helping him to go down the stairs.

I remember opening the car door for him.

I remember him saying I want

to die in my country, not somewhere else.

It can remember him in the hospital

asking for this last cup of tea and cigarette.

I can remember the smell of the wood of his coffin.

I can remember sitting next to the black hole

of the grave and saying, rest in peace, grandad.

Mohamed Assaf

13 years old

Oxford Spires Academy