Jerusalem



I wept until my tears were dry



I prayed until the candles flickered



I knelt until the floor creaked



I asked about Mohammed and Christ



Oh Jerusalem, the fragrance of prophets



The shortest path between earth and sky



Oh Jerusalem, the citadel of laws



A beautiful child with fingers charred



and downcast eyes



You are the shady oasis passed by the Prophet



Your streets are melancholy



Your minarets are mourning



You, the young maiden dressed in black



Who rings the bells in the Nativity



On Saturday morning?



Who brings toys for the children



On Christmas eve?



Oh Jerusalem, the city of sorrow



A big tear wandering in the eye



Who will halt the aggression



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 town



Oh Jerusalem my love



Tomorrow the lemon trees will blossom



And the olive trees will rejoice



Your eyes will dance



The migrant pigeons will return



To your sacred roofs



And your children will play again



And fathers and sons will meet



On your rosy hills



My town



The town of peace and olives

Author's Notes/Comments: 

~ By Nizar Kabbani.
Translated from Arabic to English

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