Jerusalem
I wept until my tears were dryI prayed until the candles flickeredI knelt until the floor creakedI asked about Mohammed and
Oh Jerusalem, the fragrance of
The shortest path between earth and
Oh Jerusalem, the citadel of lawsA beautiful child with fingers charredand downcast
You are the shady oasis passed by the
Your streets are
Your minarets are
You, the young maiden dressed in
Who rings the bells in the
On Saturday morning?
Who brings toys for the
On Christmas eve?
Oh Jerusalem, the city of sorrowA big tear wandering in the
Who will halt the
On you, the pearl of religions?
Who will wash your bloody walls?
Who will safeguard the Bible?
Who will rescue the Quran?
Who will save Christ?
Who will save man?
Oh Jerusalem my
Oh Jerusalem my
Tomorrow the lemon trees will
And the olive trees will
Your eyes will
The migrant pigeons will
To your sacred
And your children will play
And fathers and sons will
On your rosy
My
The town of peace and olives.
Nizar Qabbani
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