i need to tell you
that my fears are real
even if they conflict
with your image
of Jews
& our old testament
i need to talk to you
about the land
about embodying a dream
even as the Palestinians
voice their claim
i need to be seen
not as a metaphor
for suffering
not as a perpetrator
of violence
i need to be heard
even if my anger
my exile
frightens you
i need to know
you are listening
