Gaza Poems

By Micheal R Burch

Such Tenderness

for the mothers of Gaza

There was, in your touch, such tenderness — as

only the dove on her mildest day has,

when she shelters downed fledglings beneath a warm wing

and coos to them softly, unable to sing.

.

What songs long forgotten occur to you now—

a babe at each breast? What terrible vow

ripped from your throat like the thunder that day

can never hold severing lightnings at bay?

.

Time taught you tenderness—time, oh, and love.

But love in the end is seldom enough …

and time?—insufficient to life’s brief task.

I can only admire, unable to ask—

.

what is the source, whence comes the desire

of a woman to love as no God may require?

.

I Pray Tonight

for the mothers and children of Gaza

I pray tonight

the starry light

might

surround you.

.

I pray