Strange Groceries

Listen to a reading by Tim Foley:

What strange groceries that man is carrying

Odd shapes in two plastic bags

Dripping blood

They look like they weigh more than the world

Head bowed

Eyes screwed shut

Step after step, feet like lead

Allah, Allah, Allah, Allah

What are those strange groceries you carry, sir?

These are my children, he says through a clenched jaw

They have had a long and weary day

And it is time to put them to bed

His face is wet with tears

And his arms are shaking

He walks on

Heavy feet with a heavy burden

Allah, Allah, Allah, Allah

Oh Allah

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