THANDI GAMEDZE

If Jesus were alive today -
And I do mean the brown Jesus
The one who grew up in occupied Palestine
The Roman empire a constant threat
Its military weaponised against anyone stepping out of line
The Jesus whose welcome into the world was tainted by violence
Air resounding with Roman ally King Herod’s order
For the genocide of all boy children in Bethlehem

If that Jesus were alive today
It’s clear where he would be
Likely making his way South
Dodging bombs and white phosphorous rain
Mourning family and friends whose homes had been turned to rubble
While they were sleeping inside
Healing powers compromised in the face of all the casualties
Lament the only plausible response to the devastation

That Jesus would have no water to turn into wine
Because Israel has poured cement into the supply
And cut off all means to access
His supernatural abilities would be tested
In this humanitarian crisis
Because the five thousand hungry people have themselves multiplied to two million
And even five loaves and two fishes are hard to find

I’m quite sure he would be scared 
Just as when contemplating his imminent crucifixion
Drained of all hope in the face of this empire’s inhumanity
He’d probably turn to prayer as he did the day before his murder

“God, would you take this cup of suffering from us
And free Palestine”