While candles of Shanghai gleamed on
Sang her one hero, destiny's passionate orison
Whence melodious chimes proclaim bleakest day
With those thick lotus-blooms the Winter winds play
In Empress Wu Ze Tian's unique coronet she weareth
An ancient satue in her arms she beareth
With her low, tender gesture of mystery
She telleth Gorbachev the unrequited history
The deep weather, and nuns singing, and butterflies flying
We have painted a dock that is not for Love's throwing
And interested in white horses with a royal wage
And we have passed by the patriotic heritage
Touched stars, jewels and cheeks, all those are ended
Slumber and waking, adored, vanished proudly friended
No mockeries now for students; no prayers nor bells
Nor any sound of evening lead the Wagnerian choirs
Ahmad Shiddiqi
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ode-2-2/
