next »

[dave eberhardt]

Occupied
I leave my house,knowing
more homes will be razed today.
Bulldozers, stand at the ready.
I catch the bus.
Children nearby gather stones.
Willingsoldiers in a war of futility.
The bus is stopped,searched.
Pockets exposed, reveal nothing.
Wait! someone has a can opener! Confiscated!
The bus rolls slowly through the gates.
My heart cries out for mama,
I look back towards Gaza…rat-a-tat-tat,
Maybe another fallen five year old.
I stop in an alley way.
Everything should be where I left it.
I turn onto Jaffa, straighten my veil.
It’s time to bring forth in pain and torment.
I have carried this infitada to term.
Praise Allah! I am his slave.
Detonate.
Donna E Castlegrant