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