Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Mayor" by Yehuda Amichai presents a profound reflection on the complexities and burdens of governing a city as historically and emotionally charged as Jerusalem. The poem offers a melancholic and almost existential perspective on leadership and the relationship between a city and its history.

The poem begins with a direct and poignant statement: "It’s sad to be the mayor of Jerusalem — it’s terrible." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, encapsulating the weight of responsibility and the overwhelming nature of the task. Being the mayor of Jerusalem is not just a political position; it's a role steeped in the city's tumultuous history, religious significance, and cultural complexities.

Amichai questions the effectiveness of governance in such a context: "What can he do with it?" This rhetorical question underscores the limitations of human efforts in the face of a city's deep-rooted issues and ancient conflicts. The mention of continuous building suggests a Sisyphean task — a never-ending and perhaps futile endeavor to improve or change the city.

The poem's imagery intensifies in the second stanza, where the stones of the mountains are personified, crawling down at night to surround the stone houses. This vivid metaphor captures the essence of Jerusalem — a city where the past and present are in constant dialogue, and the weight of history is always felt. The stones of the mountains, symbolizing the natural and ancient aspects of Jerusalem, come down like "wolves coming to howl at the dogs," representing the modern city and its inhabitants.

The comparison of wolves to dogs is particularly striking. Wolves, wild and free, symbolize the untamed, ancient spirit of Jerusalem. In contrast, dogs, domesticated and subservient to humans, represent the contemporary city and its attempts to tame and control the historical and cultural complexities of Jerusalem. This dynamic illustrates the tension between preserving the city's heritage and progressing into the modern world.

"Mayor" is more than a commentary on a political role; it's a meditation on the relationship between people, their history, and their environment. Amichai's poem captures the essence of Jerusalem as a place where history is alive, almost a character in itself, interacting with and challenging the efforts of those who seek to shape its future. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of the inescapable presence of the past in Jerusalem, a city where history and tradition are as present and influential as the living inhabitants.

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