A pillar of cloud
has become Iron Dome,
pillars of supersonic fire
ignite sleepless nights.
Father Abraham defeated kings
washed the feet of angels
argued for lives – righteous lives
though he knew them not.
Can nations of descendents
cease provocations
seething hate, man-made
chariots of destruction?
Innocence lay buried in caves
trust sacrificed on false altars
hope, like beating hearts
turned to stone.
Where are leaders with courage
of soldiers, compassion of their people,
when will we speak wisdom of ancestors
share the shade of olive trees?
Fragrant desert flowers
open to persuading moonlight
midnight blooms unexpected,
new life born on ancient land.
Shalom, salaam – the only victory
for children & grandchildren,
pray this truth to the One we know
by different names.
