The city I am
My alleys veins, my water nurture
Nobody need stand on ceremony before my doors

I am a home to you
And to them
Of ashes they come

In sackcloth cloaked

Much was told of me

Listen to my names, different by tongue
A rose by any other name smells just as sweet


The banners flying in the wind over my towers
Purposeless
I have no flag, no religion

No loyalty
I harbour all but stand for none
A waver, declaring my immunity


Diaspora
The one without religion inside the dogma

Listen to those long gone
It is they who are loyal to me
Those in sackcloth

And those who yearn for me

Some are pious, some cater to whims,

Some provoke
But I am a labyrinth of layers
Find only sense

Without a compass

For the city I am