An Elegy On The Death Of Soad Hosni <br />by Ghazi Al-Gosaibi <br />Translated by Saleh Badrah <br /> <br />Dusk was strangling the city, <br />Slaying the soul of chilly, sad London, <br />Staining its buildings with sighs, <br />Killing all whom he saw along the road. <br />I feared he would visit my window <br />And extend his black nail <br />Into my eyes, stealing their blackness; <br />Extend his black fang <br />Into my chest and wrench my heart. <br />And suddenly <br />I spotted the crowd of admirers in the street; <br />Suddenly <br />The street erupted with cheers: <br />Soad! O Soad! <br />You! O woman with perfect features! <br />Dusk advanced swiftly like a fearful thief <br />And London gleamed <br />Like a wedding night. <br />I look from my little window: <br />I am... <br />I am the princess! <br />I scatter roses at the huge crowds; <br />My hair flirts with the clouds <br />And stars twinkle in my hair. <br />Sing to us O princess! <br />I sing... and the tune circulates in the breeze; <br />My old tune <br />- Abdel Halim! - <br />O princess! <br />We desire a dance, <br />O princess! <br />I dance like a young butterfly, <br />I fasten the admirers in my hair, <br />Listen to their cheers: <br />Come closer, O perfect one! <br />Come closer, your old admirers <br />Wish to see you near, <br />Wish to embrace their precious sweetheart. <br />I advance, <br />I look, <br />The cheers rise. <br />I'm here my dear fans, <br />I've come back to you, a young star, <br />Your old dazzling darling. <br />Dusk was unashamed <br />As he killed the princess. <br /> <br />(London - June 2001) <br />_____________________ <br />Translated 22 June 2008 <br />Translation Copyright © Saleh Badrah<br /><br />Saleh Badrah<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/soad/
