What is a life worth?

A grain of earth
A drop of oil
A flag on a hill of holy soil
A cross…a star…a crescent moon…
Is it worth ending a life too soon?

What sacred verses can explain

Sniper fire…
And white phosphorus rain?
What Holy Scripture gave the command
“Thou shall wipe out their villages
And scorch their land”

And after the massacre
Did they lament?
Did they seek forgiveness?
Did they repent?

Did they try to sanctify their burdened souls
While besieging a people behind their walls
Or did they wear with pride their murderous skills:
A pregnant woman with a caption “1 SHOT  2 KILLS”

No rest for the less sacred, no safety, no light
No benediction no prayer no end in sight
No bread, no medicine no shelter no salvation
No angels can survive this holy Occupation

TELL ME THIS:

          What is the life of a Palestinian worth,

                 In your God forsaken earth?

Samah Sabawi is a writer/playwright and poet who advocates for Human Rights and Social Justice. Ms. Sabawi was former Executive Director of the National Council on Canada-Arab relations (NCCAR) and is currently on the board of directors of NCCAR as well as the Canadian Palestinian Congress.