tales from betlehem part 600 or something

the stores were closed,
on strike, told sami.

there had been some rioting.
one lady died, some houses demolished.

so I ate a pita with cheese and pickles for lunch
standing outside a shop that was open.
nice to see you in betlehem said two palestinians
who were doing a report for tv.

and I didnt feel hopeless

went with paul to the refugee camp.
its actually some blocks of houses
built on the un land.
sat with a bunch of palestinian youngsters
and paul offered to sell me as a wife for one.
(and with 1000 shekels, come on, thats like nothing.)

three girls ran after me, all curious.
I gave them some gum.

and I didnt feel hopeless.

we sat with sabha, the blind lady who works
in a factory with lousy payement.
she has a hard time, being the only christian there.
she poured her heart and told about her struggles.
we prayed.

and I didnt feel hopeless.