Many centuries ago, at luxurious bazaar
Where lives were sold for almost nothing,
He saw her hazel eyes with light of stars,
She stood like target in the crowd buzzing.
Covered with the richest tapestry and diamonds,
He saw those lowered eyes through gloomy day,
Seemed he heard her sobs through eastern silence,
Felt they brought her beauty on the tray.
Loud cries of wealthy merchants in the heat,
Sound of falling coins into fullest pockets,
Chaos in the hearts, disorder in the streets,
They held her soul by the strings like puppet.
She was like chained victim put to torture
Those idle gapers craved to swallow her like dust,
The lots were cast, she was misled by fortune,
Devoured by greedy crowd, plunged in lust.
Silent town sank in stirring ever uproar,
She looked like singing bird in golden cage,
Veil hid her tired eyes and heartbreak sore,
Afraid to lift her eyelids causing master`s rage.
Sahara wind caressed her bare palms at distance,
Her cheeks were colorless on pale face,
He saw a challenge in her eyes and weak resistance,
He fought with thoughts to hold her in embrace.
''Fifty million dinars for the sparkling beauty…''
He heard a youthful voice behind the crowd,
''Eternity for those eyes and lips so fruity…''
He saw the travelling sailor turning round.
The rich exchanged the curse while lively trading,
Donating every coin for the eyes of blaze,
For natural grace and pure beauty never-fading,
Fell under charm of her mysterious face…
Suddenly the sun turned brighter side on him,
She flung her bashful smile and looked aside,
Seemed he walked on waves in perfect dream,
Felt he shared the moment of blessed delight.
''All I have till last coin for the sunrise,’’
He whispered quietly but sounded so loud,
''All my fortune for the veil hiding those eyes...''
He made a step toward her through roaring crowd.
-Svetlank@-