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Meanwhile in Bethlehem

In the Evangelical Christmas Church
Baby Jesus lies in the rubble
In the square, fareless taxi drivers
Form a miserable huddle
In the Church of the Nativity
The grotto is eerily quiet
In Giacaman’s Christmas shop
There’s stock but no one to buy it
In Manger Square, no Christmas tree
As Gaza is brutally trampled
In Bethlehem, in the West Bank
Christmas has been cancelled

◄ The Chingford Christmas Crusade

A Poet's Advice to Themself ►

Comments

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Stephen Gospage

Sun 17th Dec 2023 07:33

Well written and admirably concise in its message, Steve.

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Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Sat 16th Dec 2023 20:21

Thanks for this Steve.
I used to think I was quite hardened to seeing physical suffering, but this afternoon I started watching a CNN video of a young boy covered in blood, being stretchered into a field hospital-I broke into tears, and had to turn it off.
To those who allow this obscenity to continue through their political cowardice, I accuse you of being complicit in war crimes-you are dragging the UK through the depths of moral depravity.

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keith jeffries

Sat 16th Dec 2023 18:39

Steve,
You have summed up the sad fact that as Christmas approaches there is little to celebrate. I know Bethlehem and Bait Jala well and have been there for Christmas in years past. I could not bear to see it now as people mourn the loss of loved ones and pilgrims stay away for fear of the violence which has the West Bank in its grip.
Thank you for these words.
Keith

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