Gaza Sequence

The tank commander, aiming well,

Took out the vacant ground floor flat,

So those I loved precipit fell

In pulverised procession that

Squeezed, through concrete’s piercing bars,

Soft choking from a jagged cleft.

A wax of fire—shrill waning hearts—

Then silence, and my life bereft.

‘I’ll take your coat.  Ehud will fix a drink.

How was the flight?  Few noticed that you’d slipped away?

The Washington distraction must have helped.

So good of you to come and help us celebrate

Completion of our necessary task to fight

And crush this evil force.  We did appreciate

Your quiet support, as well as generous supplies

From BAE.  Do please sit here and Tzipi, pass

The red to Gordon.  I’m afraid the view just now

Is rather badly marred by smoke but, as you

English say, an omelette’s only made by breaking eggs.

Oh! must you leave so early?  We had hoped

You’d stay and see the fireworks when they start.

No, we quite understand.  We know you can’t stay long

And must stay silent for your public with an even-

handed air of gravitas.  Our thanks, and come again’.

Now we must cheer, for Blair is here.

After two years’ pay, this is the day

He finally comes to Gaza (with chums).

Avoids being distracted where it’s ‘badly impacted’

But meets ‘business leaders’—which means he won’t need us—

He’s in with top brass and so scorns Hamas.

Where we die to live, he has zero to give.

Giggly Hillary

Met mean Binyamin

In the offices running

His fighting machine.

He whispered sweet nothings

And proffered a posy.

She clutched it and simpered.

The future seemed rosy—

To her, a State Secretary

Eyeless for Gaza,

Blind to the consequence:

Tabula Rasa.