1. Is it a spark or saffron,
his cheeks or carnelian?

2. Swords or eyelids -
which are they; wine or perfume?

3. Is it ice in my mouth or dew,
foliage or nectar that I drink?

4. A bough of myrrh in my cloak
or a slender, erect form?

5. Desire for him burdened me
with more than I can bear.

6. So it seems I ride behind him,
clasped by his slender waist.