peaceful afternoon

On a peaceful afternoon

I sit in the shade and

imagine myself in Gaza.

I sit on a pile of rubble and

wave a white flag at the Israeli soldiers.

I tell them I’m writing an article about genocide and

how it impacts the surviving generations.

They cover their faces and call in an air strike.

Then Hamas crawls out of a hole in the ground.

They demand I hide weapons under my feet.

I say I’m a noncombatant and

only want to live in peace.

They say there is no middle ground,

I’m either with them or against them.

They take my grandchildren hostage.

On a peaceful afternoon

I sit in the shade and

try not to imagine Gaza.

5-19-26