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Saturday, February 14, 2015

even if they are right – v3

even if they are right
that they must defend
that they must reclaim land
that their Iron Dome
is defensive, that there
is no other way than invasion
to defend their people;
what about the cost
to the innocent children,
those they put in the middle

pray for the children
for the Israeli people
that they may be safe
in their beds at night,
just like their neighbors

even if they are right
that their home is a prison
that the Israelis are the jailers;
pray for the children
pray for Gaza, the West Bank
for the Palestinian people
that they would have hope
in some just equitable future
safe without walls, restrictions,
with no more shelling

pray for the martyrs
the children, the civilians,
for those caught in the middle
those who are driven
from their beds at night

pray for the parents
who must bury their children
where human shields
and hospitals are bombed;
pray for all of them
caught in the middle
in this perfect storm
where ceasefire brings no peace
and it is all caught on tape
to be splashed round the world

=====
edited February 14, 2015
even if they are right – v3

edited July 26, 2014
even if they are right – v2
edited July 26, 2014
even if they are right
(after the end of the 12-hour ceasefire)
edited July 18, 2014
pray for the children
after the ground invasion of Gaza
by Israeli forces
edited July 11, 2014
does it matter who started this
edited July 11, 2014
fish in a barrel, fish with weapons
edited July 10, 2014
Israel’s Future
post of child in rage about the Israeli’s bulldozing his home
in the Gaza Strip
7/10/2014
edited July 10, 2014
the battle foreordained – v2
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, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 35,900+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

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