Etched forever
into the walls
of the Universe
Their names
Their faces
Like scars on the flesh of God
Testimonies of atrocity
rage against
our shared humanity
the divine image
beaten once more
into dark oblivion
the fury, the sound
the eternal silence
after every bomb has
exploded in the heart of
Abraham’s bosom
Leaving nothing behind
Only the end of dreams
The final sound
of an empty space
Where once there were children
Laughing, playing, singing,
Now there is only a shroud
Of grey dust that covers every
Square inch of their shattering
Traces of blood
Tiny shoes
Small hands
Grasping the air
Once there was faith
And hope and
Love but the greatest
Of these is scattered
On the wind
Etched forever on the walls
Of the universe
Like scars on
The face of a God
Who still weeps
Beside the road
Where the people
Still yearn for
The things that
Make for peace.
**
Keith Giles is praying for the peace of Palestine and for the love of God to permeate every heart in Israel until the family of God’s children is made whole again.