That face glistens

Like clear water

In the desert sand.

As if King Solomon's mines

Were dancing in the Heavens.

Those eyes shimmer

With an intensity

And fervour so reminiscent

Of Mahomet's first followers.

One breath could perform

The miracles of Christ.

And one hint of a smile

For all of Byzantium to bow.

All the minds of Baghdad

With their letters

Could not, oh, could not

Equal in eloquence or grace.

The dervishes in Turkey

Whirled and whirled

For one glance at a face so divine.

The great artists in Italy painted.

Painted all they could.

But the colours of that Knight in black

Were elusive to their brush.

That gleaming sword

At my neck had asked

Sacrifice! Sacrifice!

And I had only whispered a kiss

Amen!