Democracy died in Gaza.
Buried under the rubble
alongside the children
their homes bombed
dreams shattered.
Love crucified.

International law died in Gaza.
Nailed to the cross
alongside human rights
women’s rights
children’s rights.
Starved to death with the children
shell-shocked and orphaned.

Justice died in Gaza.
Buried under the rubble
underneath the relentless
bombardment of propaganda
and blatant lies.
Wearing a crown of thorns.
A mockery of righteousness.

A sword pierces the heart of humanity.
To quench our thirst —
Nothing but a raised sponge of vinegar.

Dice are rolled to split seaside property
over dead bodies of children.
Women at the feet of the cross
can only weep.
Pull their hair.
Swoon.

Humanity died in Gaza.
We lie buried under the rubble.
Our voices for peace
unheeded, unheard
despite our desperate screams…
Stop. Stop. Please stop this brutal madness.

A sign nailed at the foot of the cross
in all languages…
“Here lies our human dignity.”
And the sky darkens
all over the Earth.

Catherine Ann Lombard
29 March 2024