by Leif Magne Helgesen, Summer team,

10.07.15. South Hebron Hills, Susiya, Palestinian farmer watering his olive trees at dawn, Photo EAPPI / P. Mercer

The morning is full of sound

dogs barking

roosters crowing incessantly

a donkey gives a full throated bray

A butterfly breaks the sound barrier

it flys quietly and disappears

21.06.15, South Hebron Hills, Daily life in Susiya, Photo EAPPI / L.Yarkie

Yesterday I saw a dog die

it passed its’ last hours on trembling legs

seeking a final resting place

it was behind a toilet

She was thin

ribs clearly marked

Now she is not any more

10.07.15. South Hebron Hills, military watchtower close to Susiya village and settlement, Photo EAPPI / L. Magne Helgesen

Before the sun rises

it is so peaceful

A soldier sits in his watchtower

Following each step

Two bulldozers

ready to tear everything down

28.6.2015. South Hebron Hills, Resident of Susiya at work in her tent, Photo EAPPI / L. Pianezza

Life awakens in a tent

flag hangs straight down

A sparrow sits on a stone

fans its tail

before it flies away

10.07.15. South Hebron Hills, Child in Susiya saying “this is the bulldozer that will destroy our homes“. Photo EAPPI / L.Yarkie

When will they come

Will it happen today

How many tents will they raze

What about the kids

when their homes are no more

10.07.15. South Hebron Hills, One of 120 children who are resident in Susiya. Photo EAPPI / L. Magne Helgesen

Soldiers charging their weapons

cartridges with tear gas, made ready to use

gas masks to protect themselves

I’ll smear lemon to stop my tears

and say a prayer for peace

03.07.15. Shepard’s herding goats monitored by Israeli army, Photo EAPPI / L. Magne Helgesen

Camera ready

phone charged

a pen prepared to write

A dot will be erased from the map

Before the storm there is not a breath of wind

now is

infinitely silent

The Israeli army came to Susiya on Sunday, July 12th, and announced that there will be demolitions after Id El-Fitr (July 20th) and before the August 3rd court hearing. NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT! Look here for what you can do. 

Related:

For background about Khirbet Susiya

Press Release : The State seeks to demolish about half of the Village of Susiya before the HCJ hearing by B’Tselem

*For Norwegian version of poem see: Tidlig Morgen i Susiya

You can follow Leif’s blog reflecting on his experience as an Ecumenical Accompanier in Israel and Palestine at: Stavanger Aftenblad,