CPTnet
August 12, 2004

HEBRON POEM: The Water of Life

by Diane Janzen

To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of
the water of life. Rev 21:6b

crazy foreigners?
simple living going too far?
perhaps impressions of CPT Hebron's re-use of water.
okay.

but come, come with me south of Hebron
to the land bearing the ancient name of Suseya
and learn of the worth of water.

feel the heat of the mid-day sun
as tomato plants hide under their cover of drying sage.

listen to two beautiful, proud, old Palestinian women
tell of how teenage settler boys - now nearby, sitting sullenly silent -
attacked them by the village well.

watch the dance of negotiation between the
soldiers, settlers, Palestinians and Israeli peace activists as cell phones
ring and documents proving ownership of the well are brought forth.

taste the cool clear water once the pumping is allowed to begin.
tank after thirsty tank fills up under the watchful eyes
of Palestinian boys clamoring over them.

cisterns closer to the village hold this precious liquid for a time,
but it will last for maybe only one month
in water's endless quest to sustain life.

then this situation must be faced again, and again
until enough people have learned
that the scales of water are not equal in this land
and, giving their tears - cry out "no more"!