Star of poetry is one of Charbel Baini's books translated from Arabic into English. Introduction by Dr. Mostapha Helwe

Jerusalem

 

O Jerusalem, cradle of light,

Tell me, how did the prophets come?

You are a radiant blessing to the world,

A kiss... when the pious supplicate.

If I call upon God, I call humbly,

In the realms of truth, supplication resounds.

Cities are built, then their light fades,

But you revive the histories of eternity.

For generations, you have been the hope,

O my hope, how can annihilation befall you?! 

Your holy name has become a song

Rising above the lips of the pure

No medicine can cure the affliction

A touch from you... and the cure comes

Ah, melody of the pure heart

I am enamoured with you, 

And in my breast is misery

If I speak... my words are painful:

How did we become wretched nations?

Glory once gazed around us

And we quarrelled like fools

I wiped the tears from my cheeks so that

You wouldn't say I love to weep

I am a son of Jerusalem... 

Who is like me?

The great ones sing of my existence

**