by B. R. GOWANI
From left to right: Binyamin Netanyahu, Barack Obama, and Mahmoud Abbas during a meeting in September 2009. (PHOTO/Gallo/Getty/Al Jazeera)
Bibi baby
Don’t get annoyed at me
To the world
I’m Uncle Sam
Therefore, obviously
Multitudes of people expect me
To be an honest broker
That’s why, sometimes
I may say things
Or take actions—
Which may hurt you, or
Make you angry—
But then, I more than makeup to you
Helen Thomas is history
Arabs in the US
Invited me for a dinner
I didn’t even reply
Last year, when I visited
The Pharaoh’s land
So many promises I made
Tell me honestly,
Did I disappoint you?
I see, a slight smile on your face
That says it all
Beyn,* I’m proud of you
You’re doing fine.
In your region, only
Ata’s children befriended you
But now, even they are mad at you
And are waving flags of
The terrorists …
Now that’s a great achievement!
I understand your arrogance
You don’t need anyone
Because you have me.
But always remember
I need others:
Even Uncle Sam, if alone,
Can’t do much.
Besides, my century is
Nearing its end.
Don’t take me wrong
I’m not stopping you …
From indulging in your hobbies
Just avoid the extra exposure
Stop frowning!
I’m not complaining,
Nor lecturing,
Just bidding you
To be practical
When you have doubt
As regards to my commitment to you
Always remember
That Gujarati saying:
Put ka-put thai
Mavtar ka-mavtar na thai
That is:
A son may become an un-son (disown parents)
But parents will never become un-parents
You can count on me …
My Chosen Son
B. R. Gowani can be reached at brgowani@hotmail.com
*Hebrew word for son.