Strange Groceries
Listen to a reading by Tim Foley:
What strange groceries that man is carrying
Odd shapes in two plastic bags
Dripping blood
They look like they weigh more than the world
Head bowed
Eyes screwed shut
Step after step, feet like lead
Allah, Allah, Allah, Allah
What are those strange groceries you carry, sir?
These are my children, he says through a clenched jaw
They have had a long and weary day
And it is time to put them to bed
His face is wet with tears
And his arms are shaking
He walks on
Heavy feet with a heavy burden
Allah, Allah, Allah, Allah
Oh Allah
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Caitlin, This is so very powerful. Strikes at the very heart of being human. We have heard /viewed/read and grieved about Palestinian parents picking up pieces of their beloved children from the Israel/US/West made graveyard of Gaza. But never felt it more acutely than in your poem.
I have also been feeling incredibly sad and sometimes angry. I can almost feel that man's pain. Not quite though. I have the privilege of being in a safer place for the time being.