Uploaded on June 27, 2011
The unconsecrated foe entered my courts,
placed his unwashed hands upon me,
and caused me to tremble.
Putting forth his hand
He smote me with fear.
He tore away my robe
and clothed his wife therein;
he stripped off my jewels
and placed them upon his daughter.
Like a quivering dove upon a beam
I sat.
Like a fleeing bird from my cranny
swiftly I passed.
from my temple.
Like a bird
they caused me to fly.
—Unknown (possibly 4,000 BC)
Translated from the Babylonian Cunieform by Lewis Spence
The Giant Book of Poetry,
edited by William H. Roetzheim
6.27.23: I’ve never come across this poem anywhere else, but I’ve grown to love it, and this photo, with Dennis clasping those jewels on Bridget, has long been a favorite.