06/05/2026
I no longer know where to begin or where it ends days go by, interviews pile up, so does disappointments but still, I try.
Every door I knocked became a mirror, showing me myself, I thought I’d finally understood
only to leave more lost.
I painted their faces, those who shut doors.
Eyes held silent verdicts, smiles wore masks a reminder that I didn’t belong
With each painting, I tucked my anger, patted my sadness on the back rearranged the chaos within, not to look “weak”.
Then came Wanis, curled around me A cat! An animal is reminding me I exist, even when they pretend I don’t.
I watched them from a distance; they were worse.
Then realised that safety isn’t a job title, nor a nod of approval.
But even now, after all this, I still am trying.
Abdallah Abu Jaber
Paintings part of Interviews collection by Abdallah Abu Jaber.
