Alexandria: A Lament
Oh Alexandria, gone is your library,
And lost is your house of light,
Your philosophers have deserted you, they have deserted the sea;
Your Patriarch has long since moved with all his might,
To Cairo, to the new capitol of holy Egypt.
Where is your glory, where is your hope?
Beaches and casinos, you were meant for more than this!
Your library, you plan to bring back, that is the scope
Of your legacy that you will reestablish, the rest we will miss!
Bring them all back, reestablish the glories of holy Egypt!
Will you cry out to the philosophers, "Return!"?
If you do not, your intellect will be sadly impaired;
What great potential you have, so I should not spurn,
What you are now, because you can return to your former glory:
The wonders of the world should be found in your city, in holy Egypt.