I look at the water and I see the ruin of the city reflected in it. I miss Basra. I miss the Basra I used to know. I look up and watch the faces of the people walking by. I gaze into their eyes and there, as well, I see the destruction…eyes full of fear, doubt and questions. The greater the destruction around us, the more we fear each other and the harsher the looks we give each other. And I wonder, when will I be able to smile at a stranger when I pass him on the way to work and see his eyes smiling back at me…friendly?! Noor, Basra