Empty Seats in the Gate

Strong men are weeping 

Weeping softly at twilight 

The sound rises with the 

Smoke of cook fires

The city trembles in the 

Evening light for

As the face of the sun has left the sky

The voice of justice has fallen silent in the gate

A child has taken his place 

From the top of the wall a child lifts its voice 

From the gate there is no answer 

The eminent men are silent 

The landowners examine

Hastily written contracts in the 

Weak light of a single lamp 

Strong men selling their inheritance 

For doubtful promises of safety 

And the seats in the gate are empty