Monday, June 09, 2014

Ishmael and Isaac

In reading the ancient prophecy
the struggle of the brothers
those who follow God
and those who follow Allah
both one God, the Creator
of heaven and earth
both children, son
of Abram, Abraham

the battle foreordained
from the very beginning
from one the Christ, David
from the other another way
the birth of the people
mighty empires rising, falling
over the course of time
pulling us farther from God

human frailty, not trusting
a fatal flaw, falling on them
sins of that one father
the father of faithfulness
but with feet of clay
the divide of his children
one son and the other
sealing the fate of Man.


=====
new poem June 9, 2014
Ishmael and Isaac
new poem June 8, 2014
the battle foreordained
Daniel 7
and Men’s Bible Study
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
June 8, 2014
&
edited March 16, 2014
“Innocent Blood – v5”
(editing version 3)
Edited November 26, 2012
“Innocent Blood – v4”
after rereading original inspiration for the poem
Edited November 23, 2012
“Innocent Blood – v3”
November 23, 2012
“Innocent Blood – v2”
after writing several poems on this topic
&
announcement of a cease fire
between Gaza (Hamas) and Israel
November 21, 2012
&
the tragedy of the fighting in Gaza and Israel
and the source of the conflict
in the division of Ishmael and Isaac
the sons of Abraham
&
original poem
January 14 and 15, 2009
“Innocent Blood”
Matthew 2:13-23
and words of Bishop Peter Weaver,
in his Partners in Ministry email
1/14/09,
    THE TERRIBLE VIOLENCE IN THE GAZA STRIP is deeply disturbing.  Hundreds of innocent civilians, including children are being caught in the crossfire. Last week, after we celebrated Epiphany (Jan. 6, the magi visiting Bethlehem) I thought about the rest of Matthew 2 where Herod sets out to kill all the "innocents" under two and Mary, Joseph and Jesus head for Egypt....probably through Gaza!  Both the Palestinians and Israelis fear and react to violence from the other side and to a long history of threats and actions that are indelibly etched in their memories.  Tragically, every additional death and injustice etches new memories in new generations who will grow up with even more hatred and determination to "win", no matter what the means of terrorism or oppression. "An eye for an eye, leaves everyone blind"
       How can peace with justice be found?
       A Quaker saying, based in the Gospel, points the way.  "There can be no peace without reconciliation.  There can be no reconciliation without forgiveness.  There can be no forgiveness without giving up the hope of a better yesterday."  In other words, holding on to the deeply etched bitterness of the past prevents us from embracing a new future of peace.  Nations do it.  Families do it.  Churches do it.  Pray that we might all become peacemakers.  Pray for the land we call "holy."”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,250+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

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