Sol 5.6

  1. From eastern Andalusia toward the land of desire, I bear

    a longing that unites water and flame.

  2. Its lofty summits loomed before us, towering,

    bringing a seeker’s hand close to the radiant stars.

  3. A vessel sped with us across the deep,

    black, unable to travel over dry land.

  4. As though, while the surging water tosses her,

    she craned the neck of a wary watcher stealing a glance.

  5. As though the white sails at her sides, when unfurled,

    were dawn’s banner appearing amid the gloom of night.

  6. The wind wrestles against her stubborn rein,

    and she hurtles onward under a yielding, supple rein.

  7. Were it not for fear that I might kindle a flame for her,

    I would urge her on with longing’s wine, in a single breath.

  8. Would that I knew—though hopes lie beyond reach,

    and perhaps one day may yield to one who seizes his chance—

  9. will the longed-for visit ever draw near? For it holds

    every chance for companionship one could wish, whether seized or stolen.

  10. And will those days return, when I sipped within them

    life’s choicest wine, sweeter than the fruit of dusky lips;

  11. when we gave ourselves freely to delights, borne onward

    by the hands of joy, from festival to wedding feast?

Sol 5.6