Exotic Parfume
When, eyes dosed, on a pleasant autumn night,
I breathe the warm scent of your breast, I see
Inviting shorelines spreading out for me
Where steady sunlight dazzles in my sight.
An idle isle, where friendly nature brings
Singular trees, fruit that is savoury,
Men who are lean and vigorous and free,
Women whose frank eyes are astonishing.
Led by your fragrance to these charming shores
I see a bay of sails and masts and oars,
Still wearied from the onslaught of the waves -
While verdant tamarind's enchanting scent,
Filling my nostrils, swirling to the brain,
Blends in my spirit with the boatmen's chant.
Přeložil James McGowan
