There are so many of them… and their heights barely reach a meter. Dig the graves smaller.
Loosen the soil gently. Their faces are like flower petals.
These two want to lie beside each other. They are best friends.
Write on their graves: For what sin?
This one never sleeps alone at night. She gets frightened. Stay beside her.
That one, whenever she’s afraid, reaches for her mother’s hands. Where is her mother?
More softly… don’t make noise. The children are afraid.
Sleep peacefully, my little flower. We are here. We will stay by your side.
This child cannot bear to be apart from her mother. Call her mother.
These are children fasting for the first time. Remember their iftar.
Count them—make sure none are missing. Where is the attendance book?
Has anyone seen this child’s bag? The pink one. She loves it so much.
God… why are these children so quiet?
Why aren’t they screaming?
Why aren’t they laughing?
Girls, it’s recess time…
Write it down. Today’s lesson: The Daughter of Iran…
Tomorrow we have a field trip. Where to?
The martyrs’ cemetery.