That was fifteen years ago
Seventeen and mad
It was hot as hell
On Erev Tisha b’Av
he was determined
Walked to Kissufim
only to be arrested
A friend got him out
It was sweltering
under the seat of a van
piled high with blankets
This time he got in
on the day of destruction
Fasting and prepared
The youth of our land
washing dishes and packing
families were broken
It couldn’t happen
an agonizing waiting
And then it began
They came in full force
Our soldiers followed orders
to uproot their own
Insane destruction
of all that had grown and dreamed
Pleading was fruitless
Crying and watching
For hours on CNN News
and then I saw him
My son on TV
Innocence shattered
in the sands of Gush Katif