If I could capture this elusion of roses
in a snapshot, a recording
If it could be etched permanently upon my eyes
not left to sink into mute memory
like hushed tombs in ancient cemeteries
How I wish for your return!
How can I arrange
these scraps of time,
these echoes?
How can I endure this strange rhapsody?
When your anger rages mercilessly?
When the love in your eyes
still emerges soft and tender?
Once
there was a man --
a breath of kindness
a glimmer of mischief
an ocean of boundless love.
Now there’s a well
gushing from solid rock.
Oh morning dew in this field of wildflowers!
Oh blazing destiny under the harsh Baghdad sun!
Oh sweet narcissus boldly fragrant against the dark, stormy sky!
How can I gather your splendor your scent your dew
when all I have is this faint elusion of roses?
