The Damascus Gate Toll

Damascus Gate, E. Jerusalem,
Security heightened, raised sights again
Age-ranged soldiers, armed in fear
A bullet-proof vest, no comfort here
Suspicion and distrust is the viral knife
It cuts right through each citizen’s life
All guns are raised, in protection of peace
Each bullet loaded for triggered release
High-tensioned snipers, safety catch off
Troops fenced-in from knife-lunged wrath.
We have learnt well, to hide our fears
Explains the Arab, as soldiers appear
Hands-high, shirt-pulled, embarrassed to state
This, our new toll, to use Damascus Gate