Poem #41
My Only Guide
translated 30 December 03, 21 October 04, 30 October 04, 24 May 05, 08 June 05

What Melts the Mind

God save a bird high
in a moringa tree that
sang me the news
sweet and clear

that those I loved
had cinched their camel saddles,
and set off at the breaking dawn,

And by leaving left me
with a heart on fire
hell blazes headlong
in their wake.

In the moonless dark I raced
them down, calling out
to them, close on their traces,

tracking after them,
my only guide, the fragrant
breath on the wind
of desire.

When they lowered their veils
they lit up the dark, riders
riding under a sudden full moon.

My tears flowed over
and blocked their way.
This river, they asked,
when did it rise and flood.

My tears flow without end
I answered as they
searched for passage,

As if the thunder at the flash
of the lightning and the clouds
roiling when the rain pours

Were the beating of hearts
at the flash of a smile and the rain
of tears for riders departing.

You who liken the soft touch
of a lover’s cheeks to the soft
of a dew-covered, fresh-spring bough,

Turning it around as I have
and you'll get it right.

Liken the new bough in softness,
to the cheek of a lover,
and the red of rose of the garden
to the lover's blush.