Second Sight

To an Israeli conscript who points his gun at a Palestinian boy:

A cat may look at a queen,
But NOT
Down the sight of an M16.
‘Just looking,’ you say
When I intervene.

The boy
Behind the wall,
Who sees you
Point your gun at him,
Cannot know that.

He does not see
How closely,
Shaving-mirror sharp,
His features
Match your own.

Now he’s gone
Because he knows
The difference
Between your bullets
And his stone.

PS Now this encounter has become impossible. Rachel’s Tomb, where this soldier stood guard near Bethlehem is now completely surrounded by a high concrete wall, watch towers and TV cameras.