A poem by Suzanne McLean
N manages the dining room.
He smiles and nods and welcomes you in.
In Jerusalem.
N is an Arab,
Perhaps a Palestinian,
A Muslim or Christian.
Certainly not a Jew.
In Jerusalem.
N works with Arabs,
Waiters and barkeeps,
Desk staff and maids,
In a Kosher hotel.
All hotels are Kosher.
In Jerusalem.
N has a warm heart.
He responds to care and sincerity
Like a flower in the sun.
Smiling genuinely.
In Jerusalem.
N dares to tell his truth.
"It is very bad now."
Though a manager, he makes little.
Not enough to live on.
"An Israeli would make twice that."
In Jerusalem.
N worries about the latest violence.
"Criminals run the government, they want war.
They want us out or dead," he tells me,
In between smiling and greeting
His rich customers.
In Jerusalem.
10-30-14
