The artist's latest composition begs our humanity in a fragile and tender piece to Palestine.
Bombs streak across the sky where a guiding star once shone, leading to the celebration of a baby’s birth. Despite the heaviness in many hearts, including Alabaster DePlume, the artist continues to weave a delicate, powerful, and hopeful gift to the people of Palestine. A gift of healing and beauty that is Palestine.
In “Gifts of Olive,” DePlume artfully intertwines wisdom, love, and admiration as he carries the shell of the world’s choices in an almost empty blanket of humanity with shame. The conflicting emotions cry for a way out; for more. Its tenderness instills that there is humanity left though, and its pain doesn’t weigh down the homage to the people of Palestine nor their peace and resilience.
The track, though fragile and occasionally painful on the acoustic, briefly draws inspiration from the late Palestinian poet and Professor Refaat Alareer, and his piece, If I Must Die. This juxtaposition against the backdrop of what is supposed to be the most peaceful time of the year adds a profound layer to the composition.
Rather than yearning for a white Christmas, DePlume envisions a different symbol – a white flag. The slow, peaceful cadence of the track invites listeners to delve into the core of our humanity and observe reality. The lyrics echo: “through the silent night/the holy time/through the genocide in Palestine.”
“Gifts of dates for you at Christmas time/ through the genocide in Palestine” underscores the juxtaposition of joyous celebrations and the stark reality of conflict. “Gifts of olive, somethings on her mind, that one is for you, and this is mine, Bethlehem behold, the star will shine on the genocide in Palestine,” encapsulates the bittersweet essence of hope amidst the genocide.
DePlume states: “At this specific time, may I reach you with appreciation, for I admire you for living, and I come to tell you I believe in you. I have faith in you. You are humanity and this time is in your hands. You survive moment by moment, while crimes are committed against you. And there is no state that can defeat you, no nation state, authority, project nor organisation on this earth can ultimately deny you, humanity. I am reaching to you with my love, and this little Christmas song, where at this time I feel grief. In case it voices a grief for you too, I love you.”
For a brief moment, this track will be free to download on Bandcamp in order to continue sharing moments of healing.
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