The City of Gold

Gold is rare, expensive and gorgeous. Blood is common, cheap and appaling. Did we ever have a chance to begin with..?

There was once a city, at the center of this world.

Her streets were quite gorgeous, her domes coated in gold.

Her walls were ancient, their bricks were old. 

Many adored this city; of her beauty legends were told.

There was once a city, within her a temple of faith.

But some disagreed, and sometimes faith can breed hate.

More temples arose, all pretaining the same.

There can only be one god. Then the violence came.

A city of gold, splattered with red. 

The city was crying, the city bled.

A city of gold. 

Can you see how beautiful she is?

Don't mind her weeping, just enjoy her, be at ease.

The city of songs, can you imagine life without her?

The city of blood. The city of disaster.

And time has gone by, and the blood pooled at her gums.

The corpses filled her gardens, their memories silenced her hum.

But the gold, can you see it..? How beautiful it is..?

Some of it was taken,

There were soldiers to appease. 

The songs are still there! They sing of valor and hope.

But the city is misreable, clawing for ways to cope.

There are soldiers there always, dying to defend.

But there she is, crying, she just wants it to end.

Author's Note

Written for 'Jerusalem Day' in my country.
A day in which we honor the City.

Reviews

[Marianne Rose]

Such a real, authentic telling of the history and sorrow of this city- beautifully told, with pathos and vivid imagery. Very sad, but very true depiction of the beauty and luminescence lost to violence and arrogance. It brings my heart closer to the realities that people now face in Jerusalem, despite the fact that visiting there is a sacred pilgrimage for so many. Thank you for writing this touching truth.

[LastMonth]

Thank you for reading. The story of Jerusalem is harsh, I believe it should stand as an allegory for protecting things we hold dear without suffocating it.

[Marianne Rose]

I agree- we must find a way to protect and safeguard the sacred without chains and locks. The heart does no good for us if we have so armored it we can no longer feel joy. Jerusalem is a kind of heart, and then also a metaphor for so many others that are sacred to us- even God, who we seem to try to protect also from others who believe something different than we do. This allegory can represent so many other things and beings in our lives. . .

[Ajna Osvald]

I really like this one! It evokes beautiful, vivid pictures.

[...]

Sounds like really old legend. Your poem describe history of victory and her beauty. You made it well. I wish all your country have peace and there will be no more horror events .

[LastMonth]

Thank you kindly, both for reading, and for your well intended wishes.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

intense poetry here...so much death...and so much happening in the name of faith...very sad...society needs more acceptance of race, religion and sexuality...

j.

[LastMonth]

Your review is appreciated. Thank you kindly.

[Courtney Hough]

This flow is amazing! I really love how easy it is to read and stay hooked. Beautiful depictions and imagery! :) Wonderful write

[LastMonth]

Thank you for stopping by to review this!

[Connie MaryN]

Beautiful work.I don't see any errors in your english its just ok.I like the ryhmes and the way imagery was used in this poem makes reading the poem like seeing a movie in my mind while reading it.

[LastMonth]

Thank you.
I am glad that you were thrown into visuals, that is my hope for any story.

[Nessly]

Wow, this poem is beautifully written. Such tragedy befalls such a gorgeous and blossoming city. Your use of imagery on how appearances may deceive what lies beneath the surface is brilliant. This golden city truly mourns the loss of it's people. You eloquently depict the never-ending conflict regarding society's many religious views, and senseless deaths that result.

[LastMonth]

Thank you for the review. It is greatly appreciated.

[Raylene]

very impressive I understand your native tongue is not English yet It does not impact your writing skills. I love how humans disagreement of religion tore apart such a beautiful city which is a common thing in our society and I think you reflected it well I think this is a great write with deep meaning bravo.

[LastMonth]

Sometimes you can't help but wonder if the price of beauty is just too high.
Thank you for your review.

[Raylene]

anytime my dear I hope to see more as I read through your writing, and you may read mine yet I love to review and get them I think it is how writers help one another.

[LastMonth]

Sure thing. I'll stop by in a bit.

[Lydia Shutter]

Such a poignant write. Written with obvious love for the city you speak of. You say English is not your native language, but you surely have mastered it. The city is torn apart....and unfortunately has been for many years. We can only hope for peace...pray for it. Beautifully written. Lydi**

[LastMonth]

Thank you very much for the review. I agree.

[An owl on the moon]

So many countless ages have passed, and countless lives have walked through this city of gold. What a powerful glimpse at the past, in beauty and blood, and into the present, the songs still echoing across her beautiful streets, seeking peace.

[LastMonth]

Sometimes I wonder. Do we write for ourselves Froman? Is it such a hopeless, childish thought to hope that words can make a change?

[An owl on the moon]

Ah, my friend, I shall hold onto this hope always, and you too please. Maybe we'll both see the world hold just a little more light.