'Jerusalem' by Yehuda Amichai
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On 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.
Translated by Irena Gordon
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Poetic Brilliance of Yehuda Amichai's Jerusalem
As one of the most celebrated poets of Israel, Yehuda Amichai's works have been hailed as masterpieces of modern Hebrew literature. His poems are often infused with deep emotions, personal experiences, and are reflective of the complexities of Jewish identity. One of his most famous works is the poem "Jerusalem," which captures the essence of the holy city and the varied experiences of those who call it home.
A Poem of Contradictions
At first glance, the poem seems to be a straightforward tribute to Jerusalem, but upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the poem is full of contradictions. The opening lines of the poem read, "On 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."
The juxtaposition of the beauty of the late afternoon sunlight with the mention of the speaker's enemies creates an unsettling feeling. The poem seems to be simultaneously celebrating and lamenting the city. The speaker's use of the word "enemy" is also ambiguous; it is unclear whether the enemy is a personal rival or a member of an opposing community.
The City of Paradoxes
Jerusalem itself is a city of paradoxes. It is a place of great beauty and spirituality, but it is also a place of conflict and violence. Amichai's poem captures this tension by describing the city in vivid detail. The poem moves from the rooftops to the streets, from the markets to the holy places, and from the hills to the valleys.
The poet describes the city as a place where "the stones are hard / And full of lime, / And the air above is blue and thin." He notes that "the sound of a silver spoon on a glass jar awakens the prophets," a reference to the religious significance of the city.
The poem also alludes to the conflict between the Jewish and Arab communities in the city. The speaker says, "We have put up a barricade of barbed wire around the house, / And the enemy's daughter came to visit us." The image of the barbed wire suggests a state of siege or a military occupation.
Personal Reflections
Throughout the poem, Amichai includes personal reflections that provide insights into the speaker's own experiences. For example, the speaker says, "A man who was born here is a man of the world / Because of the light here / And the rocky shores of the sea." This line suggests that the speaker is a native of Jerusalem and that his experiences of the city have shaped his worldview.
The poem also reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of change. The speaker says, "The city is like a camel. / You can't tell where the tail ends / And the nose begins." This line captures the endless cycle of growth and decay that characterizes the city.
Interpretation
"Jerusalem" is a complex and multi-layered poem that defies easy interpretation. The poem seems to be a meditation on the paradoxes of the holy city and the speaker's own experiences of living there. The use of contradictions and ambiguities creates a sense of unease and tension that mirrors the tensions within the city itself.
The poem can also be read as a commentary on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The mention of the enemy, the barricades, and the barbed wire all suggest a state of siege or a military occupation. The speaker's reflections on the passing of time and the endless cycle of growth and decay can also be seen as a commentary on the impossibility of a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Yehuda Amichai's "Jerusalem" is a masterful work of poetry that captures the essence of the holy city and the complexities of living there. The poem is a meditation on the paradoxes of the city and the speaker's own experiences of living there. The use of ambiguity and contradiction creates a sense of unease and tension that reflects the tensions within the city itself. Overall, the poem is a testament to Amichai's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Jerusalem, the holy city, has been the subject of countless poems, songs, and stories throughout history. However, Yehuda Amichai's poem, Jerusalem, stands out as a unique and powerful tribute to this ancient city. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this classic poem.
The poem begins with a simple and straightforward statement: "On a roof in the Old City, laundry hanging in the late afternoon sunlight." This opening line sets the scene and establishes the setting of the poem. The laundry hanging in the sunlight is a common sight in the city, but it also serves as a metaphor for the people of Jerusalem. Just as the laundry is exposed to the elements, the people of Jerusalem are exposed to the conflicts and struggles of their city.
The next line of the poem introduces a powerful image: "The white sheet of a woman who is my enemy, the towel of a man who is my enemy." This line immediately creates tension and conflict in the poem. The use of the word "enemy" suggests that the speaker has a personal connection to these people, but they are still considered enemies. This line also highlights the complex and often conflicting relationships that exist in Jerusalem.
As the poem continues, the speaker reflects on the history of the city: "In the Old City of Jerusalem, and on the streets of the New City, history walks around with us." This line emphasizes the weight of history in Jerusalem. The city has been the site of countless conflicts and conquests throughout history, and this history is still present in the city today.
The next stanza of the poem introduces a powerful metaphor: "The hour between dog and wolf, that hour when night begins and the day disappears." This metaphor captures the sense of uncertainty and danger that exists in Jerusalem. The hour between dog and wolf is a time of transition and change, and it suggests that the city is always on the brink of violence and conflict.
The poem then shifts to a more personal reflection: "Between the city and me, a sadness that will break your heart." This line suggests that the speaker has a deep emotional connection to the city, but this connection is also tinged with sadness and pain. The use of the phrase "break your heart" emphasizes the intensity of this emotion.
The final stanza of the poem brings together many of the themes and images that have been introduced throughout the poem: "Jerusalem, stone and sunlight, flags surrounding the city, and darkness like a mouth." This line captures the complexity and contradictions of Jerusalem. The city is both beautiful and dangerous, ancient and modern, holy and profane. The use of the phrase "darkness like a mouth" suggests that the city is always ready to swallow up those who are not careful.
Overall, Yehuda Amichai's poem, Jerusalem, is a powerful tribute to this ancient and complex city. The poem captures the sense of tension and conflict that exists in Jerusalem, as well as the deep emotional connection that many people have to the city. The use of powerful imagery and metaphors creates a vivid and evocative portrait of Jerusalem that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading the poem.
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