Laid Bare IX
The ninth poem in the Skendong Laid Bare series contrasts an ordinary act of feeding birds with images of hunger, aid, and loss in Gaza. Through quiet observation and stark juxtaposition, it reflects on compassion, privilege, and the human cost of conflict.
Feeding the Birds
In the hazy sun
The grand fir stands
Majestic & still.
From my window I throw
Bits of bread for the magpies.
They swarm for the manna
Gently falling on the grass.
I heard 30,000 parcels
Airdropped on stricken Gaza.
Indiscriminate food pallets
Crushing, killing souls.
Cats & dogs feasting on corpses,
While the living & the starving
Defy death just to eat.
Blockade
Installed from Mount Zion.
I am not lying. I feel bad
About to eat this steak.
Bismillah. Hear my Lord.
Amen. So be it.
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