Women watching

Sculpture of the Fallen Christ, Iona, by Ronald Rae

 John 19:25

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

Just some more women watching

as their sons are murdered

by the vagaries of empire

Forced to bear the pain

and often the shame

that is heaped on to their loss

A scenario perpetuated

day in, day out

in cities and deserts

all over the world

Their lives offered up

in service of the hubris of imperialism

And, for all the pain and regret

nothing changes

and hope grows weary with longing

And still, the women watch and wait.