The Goddess of Worship

My beloved moves with the restless grace
of a doe in the forest—
rhythm-filled darling,
she startles my heart,
drives my soul to madness.

In the shadows of her kohl-dark eyes
I see the magic of rain-heavy clouds,
as if lightning itself
has taken a woman's form!

When my beloved blooms
tender with love,
tuberose and rose alike
flower upon her body.

The radiant girl smiles softly
in the crimson dawn,
and both my eyes drown
in ancient enchantment.

When darkness thickens
in the distant mountain forest,
laying her face upon my chest
she whispers in my ear,
"If I should ever vanish
into the lap of darkest night,
come searching for me
when the lamp of vision burns."

I look up, startled—what is this!
Tears in my beloved's eyes!
A golden lotus
floats endlessly on the blue sea.

My beloved is the goddess of my worship,
she is a stream of sacred water;
why did I not die
before seeing tears in her eyes!