Conflict in Israel/Palestine

Fire and bombing,

blocks of flats falling,

peoples’ homes, their belongings flung in the dust.

Children killed,

adults lost and injured,

mothers screaming and running for shelter

and overhead jets trailing smoke and death.

Stones thrown, rockets launched,

neighbours turning on each other,

old grudges resurrected, used as weapons

for anger, war and violence.

This holy land, sacred to enemies who used to be friends,

treasured city of unrest and troubles,

wept over by Christ,

and now mourned again by the world.

Lord, calm the storms of rage, grief and pain,

save your people once more

to build a better place, free from oppression,

a land of equals, justice and compassion.

May 13th 2021