Christmas 2006

"November overtook July 2006 as the worst month for conflict prevention since CrisisWatch began publication 40 months ago. Fourteen situations deteriorated in November, with seven conflict risk alerts (in anticipation of new or significantly escalated conflict). Improvements were noted during November in only three situations, and no new conflict resolution opportunities were identified for the coming month." - International Crisis Group website

We forget that you, too, were born
in an unstable world of war,
in a nation stamped out by siege
and the carnivorous instincts of man

or beast that lifts its ravening head
towards your ancient city. Son of God,
son of a carpenter born in disgrace
and scandal, the rumours of war

overtaken by the mystery and the
shame of your birth. We forget that
you, too, brought upon
another war, a fierce and second

Passover, but this time for the
children, this time for the mothers
in mourning, fleeing and dying
for their children

torn from them. Where is their
voice? What is their song,
their insane and berserk carol
that no one dares to listen

or to sing? We forget that you, too
fled -- fugitive, refugee and survivor
of an ancient and terrible hatred
that continues to duel

with your unearthly song,
your unearthly light -- stranger in a land
of peace, a land of slavery,
a land borne by the blood

of the firstborn. The cries of war
grow ardent and strong. Its stories
persist. Its voices shadow
over all: your world, your

people, your inheritance and
your loss. How do we sing your songs
again? Where do we learn to listen?
And how do we remember, again,

that you, too, were born in a world
like this, to a people like us who
sing and dance with madness,
trampling on your gifts?

13 December 2006