by Karen Warinsky
Inside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The church is typically packed with visitors each December. But now, it's nearly empty. Photo: Ayman Oghanna for NPR.
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A quiet night, a holy night, (aren’t they all holy?) a time to settle meditate sing. Many will pray this Christmas, pray harder than before for War’s children everywhere especially for the people of Palestine children of the desert, their ancient history recorded, retold, the most famous story reenacted around the world for centuries; generations of angels, donkeys, shepherds and stars standing in chancels and sanctuaries as a narrator recited: “Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.’” There is no joy in Palestine no celebration allowed through this ruptured wound as the people run from bombs, search for food, water, shelter, so many holy families trying to hear the angel sing.
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Karen Warinsky is the author of three volumes of poetry (Gold in Autumn, Sunrise Ruby and Dining with War) and is widely published in lit mags and anthologies. She runs Poets at Large who perform at venues in MA and CT.
Tender images and tone at this brutal moment in all our lives but more for children on both sides of the greed and madness