I Remember Two Flags

stuck on co-existence

I remember when two flags meant:  the flag of Israel and the flag of Palestine

side by side  (even though Palestine has never been a state)

its unofficial flag was displayed

side by side with the Israeli flag

as if to call for co-existence and equal rights

in spite of their disparities of power and status

I remember when two flags meant:

the flag of Israel and the (unofficial) flag of Palestine

arranged in a graphic side by side as if to say

We are not going to kill each other

We are going to co-exist

Israelis and Palestinians

and everyone with everyone

Two flags meant win-win

not winner take all 

Two flags was a stalwart dyke

standing up against the threatening trend

of the take 'em out culture

Two flags meant co-existence