only eight thousand kilometres from Jerusalem

the suburban intifada in the Unholy Land

was launched by hurling a handy rock

- the one that propped the back door open -

at the arrogant talking-head of Ariel Sharon

when he invaded the evening news.

oh my!

it was the sofa-wise David

against the media-hungry Goliath

but the big fella fell,

a crack spreading satisfyingly across his head

as the cat bolted from the conflict-riddled lounge.

predictably it was

the innocent TV set

who fared worst in the explosion

and was solemnly buried the following day

by wailing members of the household.