Her face is carved of ancient limestone and within the lines of her face the stories of the noble battles and wars waged on her soil are told. In her golden brown eyes the rocky desert reflects the rays of the arduous sun. The warmth of that Mediterranean sun emanates from her eyes, welcoming all who look upon her for the briefest of moments.
Jerusalem’s body is clothed in the most dramatic history; she wears humble gowns because for centuries she has been ransacked for her riches. She now dresses in a simple brown because she knows that’s all she needs.
In the core of Jerusalem, the muscles, bones, organs, and blood of her being, is faith. She is made up of the Torah, the Bible, and the Qur’an. The beliefs held in these books created this woman, this Jerusalem.
Although men have battled for her soul since the beginning of time, none has won. Many think they are victorious over her, but they are deceived. As the Supreme Seductress, Jerusalem draws men in, from all over the world, from all faiths. As soon as they are hypnotized by her beauty (it only takes a moment) she begins her work.
They read the stories drawn in her limestone face and re-live the battles as if they were their own. As they vicariously live these wars of old, Jerusalem injects in her lovers not only the glorious victories, but also the deaths, screams, and mourning of battle. As they gaze into her warm yellow eyes they don’t notice their skin turn red and bubble and blister from the sunburn; they ignore the dangerous wilderness of the desert and focus on only the romance in her eyes.
Looking at her simple dress, lovers are taken in by the enchanting story of her life. Her lovers are so hypnotized, so convinced that they are special, they don’t realize that they aren’t even worth a mention in Jerusalem’s long tale. That in the future she won’t even remember their faces.
Who are Jerusalem’s lovers? They are her creators, the men of faith. They love their creation so dearly that they sacrifice their money, time, and passion. They will do anything, give anything, compromise anything, if only she’ll be theirs.
Loving Jerusalem comes with a price. To love her you must bear the burden of all the blood shed on her land, you must fight to survive in the harsh desert landscape, you must endure the unbearable tension caused by the battles of religions, and you must recognize that in end, to her, you are insignificant.
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Next time on The Hindsight Bridge: Paul Walter Hauser's "Comical" explores a day in the life of a stand-up comedian. It's not the zany misadventures of a Larry David or the dark trails of navigating single dad scenarios like Louis C.K. This is a mid-level comic's life at its most nuanced and scheduled—a slice of life from an E-list celebrity. Be sure to check back on September 5, 2011 for more!
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