Look closer, fool.
There are five points
on this star, not six.
No need to bash me
(or stab or shoot me)
for being a Jew.
Though
you might want to burn me
for being a witch.
More reasons than one, today
to hide my pentacle
under my shirt.
Lately, many people are horrified at what has been going on in Gaza, and feel angry with the Israeli government. (This does not mean we condone the also-horrifying actions of Hammas, to which Israel responded in this way.) Some people blindly blame all Jews for the situation in Gaza, and use that as an excuse for antisemitic attacks.
Many people commonly mistake the pentacle for a Star of David – which gives Pagans all the more reason to keep our pentacles hidden now.
[It's a bit of a worry when the notes are longer than the poem!]
[It's a bit of a worry when the notes are longer than the poem!]
*********
Sharing this with Poets and Storytellers United for Friday Writings #217: Your Message to the World. This poem may seem like a very small and personal message in the face of the large things which are going on in the world at present – but I would like to think it addresses ways in which larger evils can both begin and be expressed.
A vivid exploration of the world as it is - I like the thought of that comforts and enriches you being worn close to the chest - Jae
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jae. I like that you like that thought!
DeleteI didn't know about the pentacle so its great you write about it I think knowledge is understanding and clears the air. The pagan philosophy is actually quite beautiful I understand it like living in harmony with earth and sky, honoring the divine in all, and let spirit guide your heart Correct me when wrong
ReplyDeleteYou're not wrong, you're spot on. Thank you.
DeleteRight or wrong we create stories and give meanings to things. Ignorance is not bliss when our mistakes and assumptions harm others and it seems shameful when a beautifully designed necklace is safer hidden.
ReplyDeleteTrue – but after all, witch burnings don't happen now, at least in the Western world, whereas both Jews and Muslims can be more easily identified and are indeed targets for violence and murder. Not to mention war!
DeleteWhich of course does not at all contradict the point you make, but rather endorses it.
Deleteliked your poem and the dialogue that followed. I remember ow much we used to like the 5-pointed star during our early days as we could draw that without lifting the pen from the paper.
ReplyDeleteMen never learns from history - the day they will learn the wars will stop. Sitting in the midst of the ME war with airspaces closed the 3 letters that keeps coming to the mind are 'W', 'H' and 'Y'
Why indeed? No good reason that I can see – but several bad ones. It must be frightful indeed to be so close to the present action! I pray for your safety.
DeleteThe times we're living in (if you can call it 'living') are boiled down to: "What!? You're not EXACTLY like ME?? Then die, die, DIE!!!"
ReplyDeleteAlthough we're not all like that, often it appears that those who are have the power to take action.
DeleteI get so confused as to who hates who and why they hate the other. I cannot keep track of the history of this hatred. I can't understand how people can kill others they don't even know all in the name of what?
ReplyDeleteFear, I suspect.
DeleteI must confess, the Star of David makes me very uncomfortable whenever I see it now. Great poem Rosemary 👏
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteAnd yes, it's just too darn easy to equate the decisions of the Israeli government with the mind-set of every Jew – when in fact there are even Israeli Jews who have been protesting against those decisions. We have to keep guarding ourselves against prejudiced thinking.
A very nice explanation of the Jewish ways. I probably won't remember very much. Thank you, you worked hard.
ReplyDeleteThank you for noticing, dear Jim.
DeleteInteresting info about the pentacle. When they burnt the witches I think they burnt their cats as well. It's all too dreadful but then the human historically has a blood lust (except for weirdos like poets:) the Colloseum gladiatorial games, contact sports, wars etc
ReplyDeleteI was born in Oz after WW2 . My family is not Jewish but I have been deeply affected by the Holocaust from my grandparents' experiences who were European post war immigrants. Such atrocities on such a scale can never be fogotten. Jews deserve to live in peace and free from anti semitism. That Bondi incident has changed the face of this country.
I agree with you! And I further think all people should be able to live in peace and freedom, not a matter of deserving but a natural right. I even think the world would be a better place for everybody if it were so. What is so unfathomable to me is that this even needs saying. (But then, weirdo poet here.)
DeleteI love this Rosemary!! Thanks for pointing out the differences. No pun intended!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you loved it; thank you.
DeleteThis is wonderful, Rosemary. The notes make it clear. What a world!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks!
DeleteAs for the world, has it gone mad, or was it 'ever thus'? (Or both at the same time.)