Cornerstones
Gibran left an Empire decaying
in ashes of former greatness.
Who will come as phoenix to nation
reborn, growing steadily in strength?
Moulding itself in virtue’s light
seeking crystal rays of clear vision.
Must many bring cornerstones together
for construction of a monument’s making?
Master builder cannot build
on gigantean scale alone.
To build an edifice to mankind
takes co-operative efforts of many hands.
How is it O Lebanon! Splinter cast free
of encroaching empires’ dominance
that war has come to tear your heart?
From heaven’s height O Beirut
do tears fall of Gibran’s weeping.
In your streets do your children die emasculated
stricken with hunger’s pain, diseases’ clawing hand.
Though exiled by masters of a former empire
Gibran never left you O Lebanon.
His body was ever cloaked with garment
of your ways his heart, ever full
with a father’s love O Lebanon.
Where are his sons Oh country of his love?
To comfort children of that love in need.
To stay bloody hand tearing a noble heart,
to lead toward prosperity and rejoicing.
Where O Lebanon! And where is promise?
Vision his awakened dream foretold overflowing.
Come new nations
of Empires ancient origin
as stranger walking streets
beyond antiquated walls.
Crushing inwards
are confining
mounds of rubble.
Future cities
have outgrown
their necessity.
In mosque and bazaar also pass
heralded, shadow of new age.
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poem by Terence George Craddock
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