03/09/2025
From "Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings" by Joy Harjo, read by
I saw a post from today, demonstrating the destruction of Gaza and these words from Joy Harjo's poem came to my mind.
How can anyone who believes it is God's will for them to have land, do this to it? Not only has Israel no regard for the human life they destroy, but they have no regard for the earth either, despite their claims to it. How will they explain all of this destruction of human life and of the land to their children for generations to come. 💔
This is a beautiful, powerful and intelligent poem that offers a different perspective for conflict resolution. This is just an extract that rang through my mind today. I've struggled so much to find words to comment on this horrific genocide. Because that's what it is. It's not about land. It's not about God's will. It's a brutal genocide against the Palestinian people and a war against land, not for it.
🍉🕊️❤️
Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings, by Joy Harjo
Recognise who's lands these are on which we stand. Ask the deer, turtle, and the crane. Make sure the spirits of these lands are respected and treated with goodwill. The land is a being who remembers everything. You will have to answer to your children, and their children, and theirs. The red shimmering of remembering will compel you up the night, to walk the perimeter of truth for understanding.