Tiled wall, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
"The mother said:
I did not see him walking in his blood
I did not see the purple flower on his foot
he was leaning against the wall
and in his hand
a cup of chamomile
he was thinking of his tomorrow..."
~~~~~
"This seige will extend until the gods
at Olympus are done pruning the Iliad Immortal."
~~~~~
"A boy is about to be born, here and now,
in the street of death...at one o'clock."
The three poems above are from the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish's book The Butterfly's Burden.
Read the tragic story of a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as 4 Israelis and nearly 400 Palestinians are killed in the standoff between Israel and Hamas:
UN-Truth (This blog is written by my longtime friend Marian Houk, currently in Jerusalem. I urge you to check back regularly for some excellent no-frills reporting).
In Gaza
Free Gaza
The Guardian
BBC
Jerusalem Post
Al Jazeera
Hi Susan - Thanks for your kind comments. Sadly, you are right about the US news coverage falling short and/or often being one-sided, particularly during the last eight years. It must have been difficult readjusting to life in the US, after Istanbul. Such a fascinating place that is!
I think Obama will be much more vocal, once he takes office. As he's said, "There can be only one president at a time." Unfortunately, the current one is hopelessly inept. Hoping for better days ahead with a new administration!
I appreciate your visit.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 05 January 2009 at 21:00
First time commenting on your site, Tara. I found you through Maryam in Marrakech... thank you so much for the links where I can find other information about the current crisis in Gaza. The U.S. coverage is sadly lacking, as usual, and sadly one-sided, as expected. I'm sending your posts to as many friends as possible so that they, too, can read and appreciate what is happening. I am an American, married to a Turk, and have only been living in the States for the past couple of years after much time in Istanbul. The ignorance and "head in the sand" attitude of most Americans concerning world events, and the Middle East especially, are deeply disturbing to me. Even with a new administration heading to Washington, the comments from Obama have been surprisingly slow-coming and muted. I hope it is not a sign of "business as usual" regarding our policies and attitude towards this volatile region. Thank you again and I have added you to my list of favorite blogs to follow. (Paris is one of our favorite places!)
Posted by: Susan | 05 January 2009 at 20:29
Sadly, you are right, Allegra. Thanks for your insightful comments. The situation is out of control and the Bush administration's silence makes them complicit. Really shameful.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 02 January 2009 at 22:58
Somehow, for reasons I cannot explain it reminds me of something an old man once told me when I was very young. "The problem with humans is not that we don't learn, it is that we learn more from those who make us suffer". Why am I reminded it of this? During the Nazi era the standard price for human life was one nazi = one hundred jews. Need I say anything more? My heart bleeds for the Palestinian people. Hamas is not Palestine, anymore than Bush is America. Why is Israel killing children, innocent civilians? what kind of human beings are behind these orders? "we learn more from those who make us suffer" and the blood spilling will not end, the hatred will continue and each one of us, whether we know it or not, will be a little less human unless this stops.
Posted by: Allegra | 02 January 2009 at 22:50
Sadly, the situation worsens with every day that passes.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 02 January 2009 at 11:08
This is horrific, evil. I am so disappointed. Who do they (we) think they are?!
Thanks for informing us more and more, Tara.
Posted by: Chris | 01 January 2009 at 23:05
Terri, your "through the glass darkly" analogy is sad, but true. The situation in Gaza is becoming more dire by the day.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 01 January 2009 at 12:45
What a poignant tryptich those poems make, Tara.
The tiled windows are fitting illustration for them...seeing those vignettes of too many young lives torn apart by strife, seeing them 'through the glass darkly.'
Posted by: tinker | 01 January 2009 at 02:15
Yes, Jeanie, it's tragic. And the US government has perpetuated the onslaught by providing weapons to Israel.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 18:18
This whole thing makes me so angry, so sad. It's an important post.
Posted by: jeanie | 31 December 2008 at 18:06
Yes, it's disastrous for Gaza. All those people already suffering from lack of basic goods and services...it seems their lives are practically the only thing left to lose. Of course the Israelis are suffering too, but the Israeli military firing on unarmed civilians is beyond the pale.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 12:21
Yes, Yoli it's a vicious cycle, that keeps getting repeated in the region. Really heartbreaking, with the loss of so many innocent people for the bad behaviour of a few.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 12:19
Yes, it's a no-win situation. Completely self-destructive and so terribly sad.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 December 2008 at 12:18
National Public Radio (NPR) produced a decent two-sided segment with both parties represented ... my heart goes out to everyone involved, especially the Palestinian people just trying to live their lives.
There is NO easy answer in this situation - and no win.
Peace,
JP/deb
Posted by: Janepoet ~ JP/deb | 31 December 2008 at 11:33
This is so heartbreaking. I think of the mothers having to bury their sons. So much sorrow and with no end in sight.
Posted by: Yoli | 30 December 2008 at 23:40
This is such a hideous tragedy.I feel for the people of Gaza.
Posted by: elizabeth | 30 December 2008 at 21:21
It's outrageous! Humanitarian aid is critically needed in Gaza.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 30 December 2008 at 19:26
Judith, sadly, you're right. I read the NYT coverage and was appalled at how one-sided today's coverage of this issue was...
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 30 December 2008 at 19:25
I wondered what had become of you - your blog had been silent for so long! Good to hear from you; will check out your site now. Yes, a terrible tragedy for Palestinians and Israelis alike. Such a vicious cycle they keep repeating, over and over.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 30 December 2008 at 19:25
I miss San Francisco and its big heart. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 30 December 2008 at 19:23
Christina, Mahmoud Darwish lived through some difficult times and witnessed terrible things. Being a witness to history gave him deep insight, revealed in his powerful poems. xo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 30 December 2008 at 19:22
sad to know that hospital supplies and medical care were stopped by attack- the DignityShip, yet on another site it is listed as being sent back and accidently hit- tensions, truths and perspectives in this human conflict are amazing--- thanks for sharing and the UN-Truth is back up!
Posted by: bethenais | 30 December 2008 at 19:13
Tara - Thanks so much for these links. I've been following BBC reports, along with several other websites. The US media coverage remains so limited and one sided. Judith
Posted by: judith | 30 December 2008 at 19:13
Hi Tara,
I have been laying low on blogland but, have I have kept up with your posts- my heart goes out to all those in this war torn region- Butterfly's Burden- a tranformational image, much needed now! I am back up on WakingDreams France, via dancingdocdesign.blogspot.com- love your input!
Posted by: bethenais | 30 December 2008 at 19:13
Tara, there was a sizeable rally and demonstration here in SF last night to protest the violence. They blocked traffic down Market Street for a while. I thought you would be proud to know that SF is doing its part to raise awareness. Thank you for the links.
Posted by: tangobaby | 30 December 2008 at 19:13
I have been keeping up with this. It is heart wrenching. I will check the sites for more info.
Your blog brought my attention to Mahmoud Darwish poetry. His work is so painful, truthful and loving. Did I ever thank you for this? Thank you, love. : )
Posted by: Soul Aperture | 30 December 2008 at 19:13