THIS IS AN ISSUE
They save sea turtles
They kill human animals
But this is one issue, and that’s anotherHow to become a white angel?
Bear half a conscience
Fight for freedom movements
Eradicate liberation movements
Bestow your compassion and tenderness
On the killed according to nationality
But this is one issue, and that’s anotherHow to become civilised
Abiding by all terms and conditions
Make all your words righteous
Take trees in your arms
Sugar-coat titles and names
While an army demolishes a nearby school
And when caught red-handed … with blood
Say everyone’s a victim
But this is one issue, and that’s anotherHow can I believe this world?
When it talks about humanity?
Seeing a mother lamenting her child
Who died in a raid … hungry
Placing the killers on a par with their victims
With all honesty and fairness
But this is one issue, and that’s anotherHow can I sleep peacefully?
Plugging my ears
While a family is buried under the rubble of its home
Forsaken … denied rescue
As if the earth in which they’re buried
Is not of this earth
But this is one issue, and that’s anotherHow to live in an open-air prison
With bars of fire and ashes
Rise from the rubble
Grab your killer by the neck
Gather your remains and fight
And show the deceitful worldHow the law of the jungle is forced
On those who would travel the road to freedom
How to take on a tank barehandedIt doesn’t matter if the world speaks out
Die free … don’t live in subjugation Inspire generation after generation
How to live and die for a causeWhat world are we calling for
To denounce and condemn?
Condemn all you want
For any condemnation of crimes in the slaughterhouse
Won’t soften the powder’s charge
And won’t bring back daylight
But this is one issue…
And that’s an honourable struggle…
Telk Qadeya
Sha’ban Al Dalou being burned alive in an Israeli air strike in a tent at Gaza's al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital. Photo from screenshot
Fintan Bradshaw
Fintan is a long time Participatory Society advocate from Ireland. He has a B.A. in Theology and Philosophy and an M.A. in Globalisation. He has a background in various activist struggles, including local political organising, anti-war organising, activist support, Julian Assange solidarity and climate justice. When not parenting, tending to strawberry beds, harvesting leafy greens, eating, playing music and supporting Everton FC, he is active as a member of Real Utopia and the Participatory Economy Project, as well as various other activist endeavours. In his spare time he does not like writing Bios.
