Lebanon Stands Poem by Tor Magnor Solvang

Land by the sea, mountains so high,
A story told, beneath the sky.

Ancient boats, sailed far and wide,
Phoenicians sailed, with the tide.
Letters they wrote, for all to know,
A seed of language, began to grow.

Empires came, and empires went,
Romans built, with great intent.
Beirut thrived, a learning place,
Wisdom and law, filled every space.

Then came a time, of prayer and peace,
Mountains sheltered, bringing release.
Maronites sought, a quiet home,
Druze also came, no longer to roam.

Ottomans ruled, for years so long,
Trade grew and thrived, a vibrant song.
Beirut welcomed, ships from afar,
Shining brightly, like a star.

World Wars ended, a new world spun,
France took charge, its work begun.
Greater Lebanon, a dream took flight,
Balancing peoples, with all their might.

Independence dawned, a nation stood,
Leaders chosen, as understood.
A pact was made, to share the power,
Christian, Muslim, in every hour.

But shadows grew, the balance swayed,
Tensions rose, a price was paid.
War broke out, a painful fight,
Yearning for peace, day and night.

Years of conflict, scars remain,
But hope rebuilt, through sun and rain.
A city rose, from dust and stone,
Though challenges linger, on its own.

Neighbors restless, troubles near,
Lebanon stands, holding dear,
Its spirit strong, its people bold,
A history written, bravely told.