THE EASTER PARADE
The Easter Parade, the pilgrimages made
At a village sermon or the sacred birthplace
What’s portrayed as holy religion
Distorted in a centuries-old human disgrace
Faith in the soul; terror in the heart
What bonds us together also tears us apart
Gaza razed to the ground
Hostages hidden, tied, and bound
Human shields and diplomatic deals
Reading your psalms whilst exporting more arms
You weaponise food heat and light
As your young people die in the fight
Children’s hollowed eyes make them learn to despise
Another generation schooled in their lies
Watch the pontiffs preach and the prophets teach
So why is love and peace still so out of reach?
© 2024, Paul Mortimer
essentials
Main image by Hosny Salah, a Palestinian photographer currently living in Palestine Gaza Strip