Wait for Her

With a glass inlaid with gemstones
On a pool around the evening
Among the perfumed roses
Wait for her

With the patience of a packhorse loaded for the mountains
Like a stoic, noble prince
Wait for her

With seven pillows laid out on the stair
The scent of womens’ incense fills the air
Be calm, and wait for her

And do not flush the sparrows that are nesting in her braids
All along the barricades
Wait for her

And if she comes soon
Wait for her

And if she comes late
Wait

Let her be still as a summer afternoon
A garden in full bloom

Let her breathe in the air that is foreign to her heart
Let her lips part
Wait for her

Take her to the balcony, see the moon soaked in milk
Hear the rustle of her silk
Wait for her

Don’t let your eyes alight upon the twin doves of her breast
Lest they take flight
Wait for her

And if she comes soon
Wait for her

And if she comes late
Wait

Serve her water before wine
Do not touch her hand
Let your fingertips rest at her command

Speak softly as a flute would to a fearful violin
Breathe out
Breathe in

And as the echo fades from that final fusillade
Remember the promises you made