April 3rd - A Fractured Jerusalem

 Ace of Diamonds - A Fractured Jerusalem

Next Year

There have been times when I've had more cracks

Inside me than there are in the last wall

That guarded al-Ḥaram al-Sharīf 

Or the Temple of Solomon

Or whatever you will

There were cracks when I laid my face against that wall

And whispered to God, or whomever

Like so many before me: pilgrims

And drunk tourists, and refugees

I forget what I said to Him

The Sun reflects off ancient Limestone at this moment

And, surely, warms another person's face 

Most die never having touched that Limestone

Soldiers murder children for and people live in

Fear because of Limestone

We remember the Temple in days of awe

Or on Pesach when we taste charoset and the bitter herb

When others do - it's years since I read from a Haggadah

Or sang about my people in chains

Or yelled unrestrained to the heavens: 

"L'Shana Haba'ah B'Yerushalayim!"