Old Bethlehem (Jesus Cries)

 

Do you know of Bethlehem?

                                 Yes, it’s a word in a hymn that rhymes

 

true but, it’s also the city where Christ was born

     Who’s he?

in ancient holy land, now shattered and torn

                      What does holy mean?

and pilgrims are picked on where Peace was born

                                 What’s Peace?

It’s no prank

That land since sixty seven,

has been sending its children to Heaven

and is now a “Strip” and a “Bank”

 

The strip is under siege, the Bank is raped daily

but, you won’t read that in your “daily”

 

Solve your crosswords,

read some lies

while Sweet Jesus cries

Open your hearts

                  Open your minds

                                      Open your eyes

 

Jesus cries on the day he was born

Trees light up, a jingle bell chimes

And, your Bethlehem this Christmas

Is just a word in a hymn that rhymes

 

Jesus cries for all the bloodshed

He cries for Man’s cruelty and crimes

And, your Bethlehem this Christmas

Is just a word in a hymn that rhymes

 

Jesus cries for his city of birth

Besieged Bethlehem in bloody times

But, old Bethlehem this Christmas

Is just a word in a hymn that rhymes

Author's Note

Reviews

[Ghost of Jupiter]

Ahhh yes this wakens our sleeping hearts, that write of beauty, to forget the blood that is spilled all over this world. Sometimes with the commercialism and materialistic focus we have in this country we tend to block out the real meaning of this holiday. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart, this eve, and expanding my view beyond the decorations and gifts...or the hectic hustle of events, to see what really matters. This was a very thought provoking write that was delivered beautifully, in your own talented way!

peace and love to you this holiday
M

[.]

. it's heart breaking and tragic beyond measure ... what's happening out there is a travesty of everything ... but we live in a delusional world ... it's just too sad ...

[Emily B]

what does holy mean? these are tall words, words to come back to, words that may change the way someone perceives the world

when I want to no what's going on in the world, I ask somebody out there, I don't trust our American news outlets.

[emmajoy]

How very true, so many people behave and think this way, but, my friend, there are a few believers left.

I was in Bethlehem a few years ago, on Christmas Eve, Manger square, soldiers with guns on their shoulders, being accosted by men trying to sell me postcards which weren't exactly holy. But, in spite of all that, I felt a presence because I wanted to feel it in a place that meant so much to me and others. Belief is from the inside out.

You write with a cynical pen and yet in a beautiful style, plus, you make one think then, flare, then, relax into fuller thought. If that's your intention, you write superbly!

[Angel Baby]

* Tears* I really love this stunning write. You have such talent, that simply amazes me. Need to file this way to read again and again. Well Done! P.W.

[poet2angels (lynda)]

You are amazing. I always adore reading every piece that you write. This is a tear jerker...

Lynda