If... Poem by Solomon Terlumun Tule

If I were a poet
I would write about you
For the world to read
That you are a gift Heaven sent
For all to behold
God's beauty in creation
At your sight I felt such peace
As in Gabriel's visit
With the voice that calms a storm
And soften the most harden soul
Your eyes are dove's
Overwhelming in humility
With innocence of your benign face
A reminder of the virgin Mary
Your hair is as Jesse's flock
Nurtured under David's watch
Your teeth are snow's
Fallen from Heaven above
Your nose an ivory tower
Fine in all its form
Flawless to her who bore you!
Your mouth is lovely
Your lips distil nectar
Oh, that you were to me sister!
Nursed at my mother's breast
I should say more
Yet my soul has failed me
For I'm not a poet
So simply I say
You're a masterpiece.

If I were a songwriter
I would write you a song
For men to sing
Of your beauty my eyes behold
Beauty that overwhelms my soul
Like David's sight of Bathsheba
Though our motives differed
Your beauty draws me to you
Fervently, it draws me!
Or will you disdain?
Tell me, you whom my soul loves
Why I should be silent
O fairest among women
Apple of the desert
Scarcely would I forsake
If a chance I get
Gaze not at my flaws
O lily of the valleys
For in my clefts you own bonds
I should say more
If I were a songwriter
Yet my soul has failed me
So simply I say,
You're an angel unto men sent.