Esentepe

2007
This song is sub-titled A Prayer For Cyprus and, in 2007, I still had some hope of a reconciliation between Greek and Turkish communities. However, the more I learn the less I believe that it will be possible.
Having been under international embargo since 1974, Kibris (the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, to give it its "full-English" title, has thrived. "Strip-development" has taken place almost all the way from Girne to Esentepe (Kyrenia to Agios Amvrosios) so plenty of money is being attracted to the area.
Off the record UN personnel, particularly those involved in locating the remains of those of both side who disappeared during those troubled times, recognise that a planned genocide was taking place.
I was a Grecophile, and visited Corfu twice in the 1960's and South Cyprus in the 1990's. I have read all I can on the subject and find it difficult to understand how the United Nations set itself against the Turkish community. After the North voted "for" the UN proposal for unity in 2004 with the South voting "against", it was even more difficult to understand why the embargo was sustained.
It will be impossible to reach a settlement to reunite the island without the Greeks recognising the right of the Turks to an existence. Sadly, this is not going to happen - but I will keep praying.

Verse 1

Girne in my camera lens

Just a week among such friends as

Fortune-favoured

Folk, like us, may find

Verse 2

Beauty in Kyrenian hills

Round each bend a new view thrills

Stunning senses

Spiralling my mind

Verse 3

But, what a sad and cruel tale I hear

Old homes deserted tell of fear and sorrow

What of tomorrow?

What will it bring?

Verse 3

Politicians did their worst

Priest or soldier, who came first?

Setting neighbours

At each other’s throat

Release

Now love’s Goddess tames destructive Mars

“Ayos Amvrosios”, Esentepe can heal your scars… for

Verse 4

That was then and now is now

Aphrodite’s spell, somehow

Brings harmony

Among tormented souls

Verse 5

Vacant villas on the coast

All brand new - a sign of hope

Different from those

Empty homes of old

Verse 6

Yet, so much progress there is left to make

Can politicians learn from their mistake?

Turn back the years

Dry history’s tears

Verse

Cyprus, Kibris, isle of love

Christian, Muslim, God above

Grant the wisdom

To recognise this land