To the Israeli soldiers who rule my life:

The green stick* hangs limp,
searching for water and hope.
I thought water was free,
but he forces me to pay.

His gun shines under the sun.
aiming at our amputated lives,
where we live as if in a cage.
He targets cameras and white coats.

A flash and concussion awaken me.
I hide childlike under my blanket,
knowing I must stand up,
take risks to seize my freedom.

He closes all the gates.
speaking only fire and blood.
How am I supposed to answer?
My blood is no better than his.

*A "divining rod" is used to detect underground water. The tradition (superstition, of course) is that a limp, motionless stick means there is no water. If water is found, then the tip twitches and dips.