As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow

we’re all craning our necks back toward Syria as she vanishes slowly behind us. Kenan leans on my shoulder, trying to get a better look, and his tears drop on my hand. I look up at him and I realize we really are Syria now.

“Know that even in death, you’re my life.”

“I would split a vein for Syria. If my blood could save her. If my death would bring our people their justice, I wouldn’t… there’s no question about it.”

This is the price of a future with freedom, Khawf. It’s a price Hamza pays every day. But I’m Syrian. This is my land, and just like the lemon trees that have been growing here for centuries, spilled blood won’t stop us.

“This is the price of a future with freedom, Khawf. It’s a price Hamza pays every day. But I’m Syrian. This is my land, and just like the lemon trees that have been growing here for centuries, spilled blood won’t stop us.

“Every lemon will bring forth a child and the lemons will never die out.”

“But—but how will you fight?” I ask.

He grins and nods to his left arm. “I still have another one, don’t I?”

“But—but how will you fight?” I ask.

He grins and nods to his left arm. “I still have another one, don’t I?”

“But—but how will you fight?” I ask.

He grins and nods to his left arm. “I still have another one, don’t I?”

“But—but how will you fight?” I ask.

He grins and nods to his left arm. “I still have another one, don’t I?”