THE FOUR-YEAR CYCLE


BBC News--"Twelve-year old Mohammad al-Dura was caught on camera as he was shot in crossfire while cowering behind his father." (in Netzarim Junction, Gaza)


I'm living in a four-year cycle

Carol & I were in "England's green & pleasant land when we got the news
From Israel, a portent of the years to follow
A new intifada still going four years later

I'm living in a four-year cycle

Carol & I were in "England's green & pleasant land" Bad news from Israel
We saw the pictures of that poor man
Trying to save his son's life

So much to love, so much lost
That poor man, he was much loved
A handsome young father reaching out to his boy as if his arms could protect him from the bullets spewing out of the Israeli army machine guns

There is a way bodies jerk upon impact by the projectiles which when viewed appear as though none of this were really happening, but these arms wrapped around in an embrace express one last gesture of defiance borne of love, solidarity & resistance


--David Joseph