A PLACE AND A NAME

Of the nine men in the photograph, eight

are soldiers, their boots as yet unblemished.

One of them cuts the ninth man’s hair and beard.

Though his prayer shawl is trailing on the ground,

his waistcoat is firmly fastened, watch chain

still in place. He is standing stolidly

as in a queue. His eyes only we see.

He looks through the lens with – not fear – contempt.

The burning of children, of millions deceives.

‘If I forget thee, O Jerusalem…’

 

bootscontemptEuropefearJerusalemlensO Jerusalem…’prayer shawlqueuestolidlyunblemishedwatch chain‘If I forget thee