The Rape of Lebanon
The month of August brings with it memories of the Beirut blast. Beirut is once again under attack. I wrote this poem as a tribute.
The Rape of Lebanon
My darling, Lebanon, do not be fooled
What they feel for you is lust and not love
You're scented cedars and your hills, bejeweled
make you a piece of heaven from above
You soil has soaked the blood of martyrs brave
Your claim of independence is not true
The blast at port took loved ones to the grave
Now rumblings of war are coming through
The lust of nations will not let you be
They'll strip you of your clothes, and each by turn
will take their fill, ignoring plaintive plea
They'll take and take, and then they'll let you burn
Your beauty is the cause of your demise,
and though you try to hide your naked form,
you're still exposed to greedy, hungry eyes
There's no escape from rapists' brutal storm
And what of us who live in your embrace,
who've loved you long and stayed right by your side?
We grieve to see your foes try to efface
your name and history, the nation's pride
Withdraw your hands! Let Lebanon be free!
Don't fight your wars upon her blessed lands!
You sabotage her bid for liberty
Her innocence is marred by traitors' hands
Oh, Lebanon, our tears will not suffice
We see you ravaged time and time again
You are the victim made to pay the price,
and though you try, you can't remove their stain
I weep, to see what they have done to you
I've heard the sound of blasts rip you apart,
and yet I know no matter what they do,
they cannot still your precious beating heart
My darling, Lebanon, you must be strong,
You are beloved of God, of this I'm sure
Our Savior will one day right every wrong
His blessed grace will help you to endure
Be strong. Be brave. Be courageous.
My darling, Lebanon, please...be at peace.
Eileen Manassian Ghali
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment