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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ALMERIA by IBN SAFAR

First Line: ALMERIA RIVER / GOD GUARD THY GLEAMING SWARD
Last Line: THE SILVER SWORD SHINES.

Almeria river
(God guard thy gleaming sward),
Viewing thee, I shiver
Like an Indian sword.

O you, beside me striding,
Stay; enjoy with me
This paradise, abiding
Not eternally.

Drink, the while we linger,
To the dove's lament;
Never famed Arab singer
Sang half so excellent.

See, the stream's approving
Murmur seems to rouse
His rapture: moving
Gently, the green boughs

Dance a measure stately
Above the joyous stream;
Their blossoms delicately
Strung (a necklace) gleam

(Hidden, the while drifted
Their sleeves o'er the stream's brow)
Gleam, their sleeves uplifted,
Pearls scattered now.

The breeze rumples
The river into lines;
The silver mail crumples,
The silver sword shines.



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