Log Cabin Chronicles
To Die at the Springs of El-Hamma
ELISHA PORAT
Down into the fichus boulevards at the springs of El-Hamma come the starlings, trembling then landing. The water is hot at the springs of El-Hamma, Yet night is more hostile than day. Layers of sand on those who landed before: Layers of sand cover their faces, The water is dead at the springs of El-Hamma. From great distances come the starlings Beating to these death-ponds: always they come. Who sends these birds to end In the booby-trapped springs of El-Hamma? They fly so urgently, with no chance or time, No time for life and no chance to learn If someone expects their return. The starlings are flying in to die in the seducer Springs of El-Hamma, poisoned by the salt. Fowl can't stop the soldiers, for their faces Are pointed into the earth. Oh, how easy it is To finish as a starling, and not as a soldier.Translated from the Hebrew by the author and Ward Kelley
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