An old Arab poem that’ll wake you up

Shabana writes poems, I read them (well, once in a while, alas).

I came across this beautiful and intriguing poem from Cola Franzen’s compilation Poems of Arab Andalusia by the late 10th century Andalusian poet Ahmad Ibn Faraj on love, comportment and self-restraint and was absolutely blown away, especially by the last three stanzas. 

Whew, what incredibly vivid (and sensuous) imagery, juxtaposed against the purest sentiments of chastity and adoration.

Although she was ready to give
herself to me, I abstained
and did not accept
the temptation Satan offered

She came unveiled in the night.
Illuminated by her face,
night put aside its shadowy
veil as well.

Each one of her glances
could cause hearts to turn over.

But I clung to the divine precept
that condemns lust and reined in
the capricious horses of my passion
so that my instinct
would not rebel against chastity.

And so I passed the night with her
like a thirsty little camel
whose muzzle keeps it from nursing.

She was a field of fruit and flowers
offering one like me no other enjoyment
than sight and scent.

Know then that I am not
one of those beasts gone wild
who takes gardens for pastures.