جاءت معذبتي – لسان الدين ابن الخطيب

Poem Translation:

She came, my tormentor, through the darkened night,
A gleaming star that shone with purest light.
I said, “You’ve brightened me, O perfect guest,
Did not the guards upon the road protest?”
She answered me, her tears began to stream,
“Who braves the sea, of drowning shall not dream.”
I laughed, “These words, mere fables you declare,
Spun tales of love, fictitious in the air.”
She swore by eyes so bright and full of grace,
And by the pearls upon her brow’s fair space,
“My love for you will never know an end,
As long as breath within my soul extends.”
In passion’s heat, I rose and kissed her face,
And saw the moon and stars within her grace.
She kissed me back, then with a teasing plea,
“Do not withhold a kiss upon my neck from me.”
I said, “In law, embraces are a sin.”
She smiled and said, “Then bear the guilt within.”

Poem Explanation:

This poem by Lisan al-Din ibn al-Khatib tells of a passionate and romantic encounter between the poet and his beloved. The poem opens with the arrival of the beloved, who is likened to a bright star piercing the darkness of the night. The poet expresses his joy and astonishment at her boldness in visiting him without fear of the guards. She responds with confidence, comparing her bravery in love to that of someone unafraid to face danger at sea.

The dialogue between them continues playfully, with the poet accusing her of speaking in exaggerated, fictitious terms. She, however, swears by her love for him, stating that it will last as long as there is life in her. The poet, overcome by his feelings, kisses her, and she responds by encouraging more affection, specifically on her neck. When the poet mentions the prohibition of such intimacy, she cleverly suggests that he take responsibility for the sin, showing her playful and assertive nature.