While on a recent trip to the Jordan Valley, ACCORD founder and executive director, Vasu Gounden, was moved to write this poem:
Sunset on the Jordan Valley
Centuries ago they came together
Walking across the desert plains
Across the flowing rivers
Against the sunset of the Jordan Valley
Centuries ago they lived together
In peace and harmony
They sang and danced
Against the sunset of the Jordan Valley
Centuries ago they prayed together
Built their places of worship
Alongside each other
Against the sunset of the Jordan Valley
Centuries ago they ate together
In the homes of each other
Without boarders or fences
Against the sunset of the Jordan Valley
Today each came alone
Walking across the desert plains
Across the dry rivers
Against the sunset of the Jordan Valley
Today they live apart
In conflict and violence
They kill and maim
Against the sunset of the Jordan Valley
Today they pray apart
And fight over places of worship
They claim as their own
Against the sunset of the Jordan Valley
Today some eat and others starve
Separated by boarders or fences
Guns and checkpoints
Against the sunset of the Jordan Valley
I dream of tomorrow
To walk across the desert plains
And see the rivers flowing
Against the sunset of the Jordan Valley
I dream of tomorrow
To see them live together
Singing and dancing
Against the sunset of the Jordan Valley
I dream of tomorrow
To see them pray together
Respecting each other
Against the sunset of the Jordan Valley
I dream of tomorrow
To see them share their bread
Across fields without boarders
Against the sunset of the Jordan Valley
Your race for tomorrow
Is a race against time
See the sun before it sets
Against the sunset of the Jordan Valley
Vasu Gounden
Amman, Jordan
18h45 on 31 October 2006
