On Bigger Shoes

Thank you, uncle
For giving me new shoes

Do not be offended, but Mom said they are of no use
For there are no parks left to roam
For even desert scorpions no longer bite
For even snakes can hardly rise their heads
There is nothing to step on but well-hidden mines
Bombs and ashes have eaten all the roads

Did I tell you?
I was not there when an angry rocket entered our home
My family and the angry rocket shared the same room

I never knew how to count those pieces
For I haven't learnt that number, yet, in school

Some said the rocket was sent by you
Some said it was those from a different neighbourhood
The woman on news said it was the terrorists - assured us they will lose!
A man, with glasses, shouted "Who else but the Jews?"

See?
Keep them for those kids of yours
For they will know better what to do with a new pair of shoes
Do not tell this secret, uncle:

Our crying teacher said to us one morning,

"Few of you will wear bigger shoes"