Summer Night

The sand has lost not yet its warmth
And tardy twilight drags its feet.
The horizon with no borne
Tarries on a shore that has no end.
O naiads, fays, sirens with voice enchanting,
Brunette or blonde or pearly grey,
With goddess forms
And youth of legend lasting ever,
Will you return this eventide?

Entrancing night,
Night of beauty,
Reposing in my heart,
Bring to me the chaliced wine
Of vintage many centuries old.
Raise the cup to my eager lips,
For time is weary with its waiting
And the drunken stars
Lie sodden at your feet.

The birds all sing in psalmody,
The ranks of angels stand our guard.
And one of them, my very own,
Stands apart in the spirit host.
With gracious face
And radiant smile,
He throws his arms around my heart.

Joseph Matar