To An Israeli Soldier Facing a Sleeping Baby at a Checkpoint

You are in full military gear.
He is wrapped in a blue blanket, serene.

The barrel of your gun is close to his feet.
His grandfather holds him steady, to keep his sleep.

This moment will pass or come to an end.
The measure of fear is in that distance, closing in.

Dear soldier, tell me
Did you choose your own womb?

-o-

Here is the photo that prompted this piece.