Origins

What goddess once bore you, what pearl formed your face,
Bearer of youth and of charm and of grace.
You landed in Byblos, the town of the Book,
And each day from my heart I pass you a look.
All these roads in my heart, when I repine,
To love you, adore you, which should be mine?
Appareled afresh with a military air,
Amazon, soldier, unequaled and fair.
You conquered my heart, betrayed by its zeal,
Completely disarmed by what it did feel,
Surrender complete to my beautiful sprite,
Smiling, rebellious and ready for a fight.
O star in my sky that bathes me with light,
Surrounding my planet with radiance bright,
You come swiftly along the Paradise road,
From heavenly home to take up abode
In my welcoming eyes, so love is a sight
In a dream in this city on midsummer’s night.

Joseph Matar
All rights reserved © LebanonArt
Translated from French: K.J.Mortimer