In the maternal shade of the Tamarind
On the forest of his chest drop pearls of sweat
From the twin moons of her breasts.
Unmindful of the fiery stare of the sungod
The naked boy washes his sleepy buffalo
In the dazzling sequins of the boiling river
Humming the cooling song of his cradle.
In the sultry shadows of the courtyard
Sits the plotter playing a solitary game
Of chess as is his wont; cursed to live
In doubt, and be doubted by all.
The maidens of the inner chambers cavort
In the cooling fountains of the marble pool
Palace intrigues assume no importance
Before sandalwood scents and rosewater.
The snake slips into the shadows
Vigilant eyes on her fearsome foes
The mongoose that prowls the walls
And watchful peafowls in the grass.
