Leila, the One and Only

(Homage to Leila Solh Hamade)

When dark is the night, long without end,
Passionate souls want a seraph descend.
When hope there is none, no light to be seen,
Can strength be drawn from far heavens serene?
But with grace of an angel and touching the heart
Now she appears with her smile and her charm;
Star of the screen awaited each night
Loved by her listeners with keenest delight.
In Lebanon’s land she enters each home
For a mission of mercy for which she is known.
Dressed modest in black and smile on her face
Each time she appears it is with sweet grace.
Come from a house with roots of great fame,
Daughter of Sidon with prestigious name.
Nurtured in home with a president sire
Who labored for peace with a patriot fire.
His country’s genius and grandeur resurrected
Were mirrored in a maiden with character perfected.
As a star you chase night when the sun is at rest,
Your light dims the rays that peep from the West.
When stars bow to Leila who comes to the fore,
She carries a message that is love to the core,
One calling on all to work with one mind
For every cause that will help all mankind.
No hurdle before her can temper her zeal,
Good soil gives its goodness, which then bears her seal.
She gives herself wholly to each human need,
Like Dido and Zenobia she is brave in her deed,
Of these noble queens she is worthy seed;
Fragrant flower of our climate, a blossom so rare.
Our Lord’s in her heart and will show her his care.

French by Joseph Matar – Translation: K.J. Mortimer