If only!

a poem by Jan Oskar Hansen

If only the dispossessed would behave,
stop terrorising us
demanding their rights;
then we wouldn’t have to retaliate,
flatten their homes
and accidentally kill women and children.

If only the dispossessed would behave
we’ll gladly help,
providing they do as we say,
be patient and wait till their land is fully occupied,
then we can say to the world
‘It’s a fait accompli.’

If only the dispossessed would behave
we’ll be generous and say,
the country needs you,
you can stay in designated areas,
those we have fenced in,
but only if you are modest and do as we say.