three Arabian/andalouse poems

Rose & Lily
Arabic/ Andalusian poem

Savour the wine
with the fragrant lily
in bloom
and during morning
form an assembly
when the rose blush.

If you suckle
the heaven’s teats
and together blend its
milk with lily, rose and
blood,
there will be a revolt,

the lily becomes whiter
than the camphor-tree-
the queen of whiteness-
and the rose- disobedient
against conformity-
becomes more divine than
red hot iron.


The Nut
Arabic/Andalusian poem

Inside equal pieces
Perfectly united
A lovely sight,
Like an eyelid
Closed in sleep;

Opens easy
With a knife
Offers little resistance
And can be admired;

An ear’s wrinkled
Surface, that in its
Interior
Hides, priceless
Beauty.


Modesty

Arabic/Andalusian poem
Original Title: Puder
Written by Habib (ca 1048)


When, on certain situation,
Your are offered a modest
Face to face,
Wine in a carafe,
By a servant with friendly eyes,
Do not hesitate to drink;
There are fuller wines,
Of course, but they will only
Make your feet heavy.