Look eastward from burning Gaza, beyond Israel,
Across steaming, ever-shifting Syrian Desert Sands,
To where it is the rivers Tigris and Euphrates meet—
And long ago great art and scholarship were conceived—
In Iraq, near the Persian Gulf by the city of Basra.
It is there, the place once known as Ur of Chaldees,
He who would father the Hebrew nation was born
Among descendants of the Shem family.
There, where two willful waterways unite—
As may rival Semite siblings too long estranged
Someday join hands at long last reconciled—
Still echo the haunting chuckles of baby Abraham.
Hear Ye, Israel, the sweet laughter of contentment.
Then, listen for bitter cries from Gaza’s disinherited child
Wanting modest share in the milk and honey of Palestine.
Listen! Listen! Listen! Listen! Listen! Listen! Listen! Listen!
Through its terrified heart pounds the blood of Talmudic scribes.