Mike's nine poems from his 'Children of Gaza' series form one of the most powerful and moving sequences of lyrics that I've read for many years. One can only hope that words such as these that see the world so clearly, with much of its harshness, cruelty and injustice, will someday help to change that world for the better. Perhaps simply by being a reliable voice of truth. A voice for the mothers and children that so badly need voices to speak for them and with them. A voice to say:
Credit goes to the composer, Eduard de Boer, who suggested some of the original poems for Children of Gaza and made suggestions about a word here, a phrase there.
If we support Ed's work, with "likes" and shares, more people will be able to listen to the songs and will hopefully be motivated to help the children and their families, as they are able.
Nice, Michael you have helped open my eyes and ears to many new wonders, words and history and antiquity. I couldn’t have asked for anything more priceless than learning what you are passionately passing on. I am grateful, G
Michael, are you okay if I share my two epithets here on Substack and of course your name is on them. I understand if that doesn’t work for you.
I’m feeling blessed and your epithets will be read, that will be put in writing when my time has come and gone. You gave me a truly special gift full of grace. My heartfelt thanks, Geraldine
Mike's nine poems from his 'Children of Gaza' series form one of the most powerful and moving sequences of lyrics that I've read for many years. One can only hope that words such as these that see the world so clearly, with much of its harshness, cruelty and injustice, will someday help to change that world for the better. Perhaps simply by being a reliable voice of truth. A voice for the mothers and children that so badly need voices to speak for them and with them. A voice to say:
"For God’s sake, I’m only a child —
you talk about your need for “security,”
but what about my right to play
in streets not piled with dead bodies
still smoking with white phosphorous!
Ah, for God’s sake, I’m only a child —
for me there's no beauty in the world
and peace has become an impossible dream;
destruction is all I know
because of your deceptions.
For God’s sake, I’m only a child —
fear and terror surround me
stealing my breath as I lie
shaking like a windblown leaf.
For God’s sake, for God's sake, I'm only a child,
I'm only a child, I'm only a child."
Credit goes to the composer, Eduard de Boer, who suggested some of the original poems for Children of Gaza and made suggestions about a word here, a phrase there.
If we support Ed's work, with "likes" and shares, more people will be able to listen to the songs and will hopefully be motivated to help the children and their families, as they are able.
In any case, we must all do what we can.
Crushing Michael, bringing it home making it clear! Be well, Geraldine
Thanks, Lady Geraldine, it's good to have your favor.
Nice, Michael you have helped open my eyes and ears to many new wonders, words and history and antiquity. I couldn’t have asked for anything more priceless than learning what you are passionately passing on. I am grateful, G
If you're happy, I'm happy.
Michael, are you okay if I share my two epithets here on Substack and of course your name is on them. I understand if that doesn’t work for you.
I’m feeling blessed and your epithets will be read, that will be put in writing when my time has come and gone. You gave me a truly special gift full of grace. My heartfelt thanks, Geraldine
Share away!
If you share something I wrote, please give me a link if possible.
I’m only sharing on Substack, you should be able to see in my posts. Thank you again, G
10-4
Roger that!
Blessings to you Geraldine, while you're still here.