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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE REED, by                    
First Line: Behold how yonder reed
Last Line: Forgive its drunkenness.
Alternate Author Name(s): Abu L-hajjaj Ibn Utba


Behold how yonder reed
Swayed by the breath of dawn
Leans down, to sip with greed
Our glasses on the lawn.

Did not the dews suffice
Its thirst for revelling,
And does our wine entice
Its plaited locks to swing?

Towards the revellers
It shakes its graceful thighs;
The mirthful soul it stirs,
It captivates the eyes.

Come, give it that it seeks
And that our bowls possess,
And if it kiss our cheeks
Forgive its drunkenness.





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