Harmonies Poétiques Poem by Ahmad Shiddiqi

(dedicated to Ms. Mitsuko Uchida, a talented pianist)

picturesque valleys
eerie landscapes
feather grasses
old cliffs

rare plants
shallow lakes
historic monuments
ruins of castles and fortresses

a panoramic view
a carillon chimes
a vow of silence
ideal dwellings

layers of rocks
the water mills
pre-historic fauna
artefacts of antique

thermal waters
are gushing
shady trees
quiet park

a soul
a diocese
bright victories
atmospheric center

ornamental symbols
a medieval palace
splendid treasury
charming figures

a confluence of
three deep oceans
thousand squat towers
pinnacle of ecclesiastical arts

harmony of universe
gives heart to live
wings to dream
gaiety to love

submerge your spirit
into closest spellbound
pours sensuous stream of
scintillating-refined brilliance

(inspired by Joan Miro's Carnival of Harlequin)