When I held the jewel in hand
I didn't know its worth.
When I lost it to another
The wind of loss howled in my chest.
Small black written letters
Can be destroyed by water or crossed out.
An unscribed figure in the mind may fade
But will never be forgotten.
Lover who was joy to me,
Married to another -
This sickness of mind
Though inside
Consumes the flesh of the body
The colour of turquoise has adorned the rulers of Ancient Egypt, the Aztecs, Persia, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and to some extent in ancient China since at least the Shang Dynasty: A common belief shared by many of these civilizations held that turquoise possessed certain prophylactic qualities; it was thought to change colour with the wearer's health and protect him or her from untoward forces.
By drawing diagrams on the ground
The stars of space can be measured.
Though familiar with the soft flesh
Of my lover's body
I cannot measure her depths.
Your smile with white teeth flashing
Is meant to lead this young man on -
But if you really want me
Please, lady, swear it from the depths of
Your heart.
