EXPLORING THE MEMORY AND TRAUMA OF THE CHILDREN OF UKRAINE AND PALESTINE THROUGH SELECTED POEMS

This paper explores the memory and psychological trauma of the children of Ukraine and Palestine through selected poems. It studies the impact of war on children and its' effects on their lives, education and well-being. In Ukraine, the Russian invasion affected children extensively viz. loss of schooling, separation from family and the development of fear from encountering violence. Similarly, in Palestine, decades of conflict ruined the lives of innocents. Poems for Peace, run by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is a platform in which children affected by war pen down their turmoil and catastrophic impacts of war on their lives. It is evident that the little ones during the conflict are unaware of the cause of their suffering but all they expect is a fearless, peaceful and innocent life in their homeland that they can cherish for their lifetime. Their poems also express their fear, trauma, and hope towards a peaceful life. This study accentuates the emotional turmoil expressed by the children of Ukraine through their poems and explore the poem Oh Rascal Children of Gaza by Khaled Juma.