Palestine’s Children

(Agar’s Dream)

By Genevieve Cora Fraser
 9/24/03

Sons of Ismael
Brides of Palestine
Crowned with razor wire
Electrified with grief
You are fenced in anguish
Despairing

Bound and gagged
Readied for sacrifice
Thy mother cries awakened
Screaming to snatch you
From a paternal grasp
Rigid with the knife

Sons of Ismael
Brides of Palestine
Belted for sacrifice
Unbowed, unbroken
Your olive groves
Uprooted are parched
From stolen waters

Sons and daughters
Of villages abandoned
Taken by the sword
Walled for siege
Ancient and rooted
Your cities brace
Against the enemy’s
Assault

Sons of daughters
Daughters of sons
Hold fast your sacred land
God’s greatness given
A blessing honored
By antique chain unbroken
Your birthright is upheld.