Jerusalem
Jerusalem - meaning Summary
Everyday Life Amid Division
The poem presents a quiet rooftop scene in Jerusalem where domestic details—laundry of perceived enemies and a kite whose child is hidden by a wall—reveal everyday human life amid separation. Ordinary gestures coexist with political division. The repeated image of flags suggests mutual displays meant to convince both sides of happiness, exposing how public symbols mask private realities and the limits of visibility and understanding between communities.
Read Complete AnalysesOn a roof in the Old City Laundry hanging in the late afternoon sunlight: The white sheet of a woman who is my enemy, The towel of a man who is my enemy, To wipe off the sweat of his brow. In the sky of the Old City A kite. At the other end of the string, A child I can't see Because of the wall. We have put up many flags, They have put up many flags. To make us think that they're happy. To make them think that we're happy.
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