face to face
with the wailing wall . . .
an empty bench
Mayfly, 53, 2012
Rita Odeh
Chinese Translation (Traditional)
與以色列哭牆
面對面 ...
一個空板凳
Chinese Translation (Simplified)
与以色列哭墙
面对面 ...
一个空板凳
Bio Sketch
Rita
Odeh is from Nazareth, Israel. She comes from a christian Palestinian
family. She has B.A. in English and Comparative Literature from Haifa
University. She has published 6 books of poetry,one book of short
stories, three electronic novels, one e-book of Haiku. Her poetry has
been published in several international publications. Rita is Co-Editor
of International Haiku. Her haiku and haiga artwork are featured in her "Catching The Moment" blog.
Effective use of a haikai twist ("an empty bench," not lines of people who bow their heads before the wall, praying), one that carries socio-religious significance.
ReplyDeleteOn a second reading, the opening line, face to face, is layered with multiple meanings.
Western Wall or Wailing Wall is located in the Old City of Jerusalem at the foot of the western side of the Temple Mount. It is a remnant of the ancient wall that surrounded the Jewish Temple's courtyard, and is arguably the most sacred site recognized by the Jewish faith outside of the Temple Mount.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Westernwall2.jpg
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Hi Chen-ou Liu,
Thanks for your translation which opens doors for us to reach more readers and thanks for your feedback which as usual adds a significant flavor to the poem.
Hi! Rita:
DeleteThanks for sharing this valuable info. about Wailing Wall.
By the way, read in the religio-political context/conflict of the Middle East, L3 could be read as a veiled authorial comment.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. -- Matthew 5:9
Chen-ou
Wonderful, Rita! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chen-ou and skwriter1. Your feedback means a lot to me.
ReplyDelete