Shahrazad, dancer of the night Behind the purple lattice of Persian screens You dance to the rhythm of ancient music Swirling in the mirth of frankincense Spinning into the night.
I drink from the silver chalice of your smile Seeing crescent moons reflected in your eyes, The echoes of singing voices radiate the vision of desert nights As I feel my passion flowing A river of silver and gold melting into distant plateaus.
Desert enchantress, Spinning your dance eternal in the lapis depths of evening's promise I surrender now to your smile Let me drown in the music of your dark eyes Your seductive voice, Leading me to misty moonscapes and ruined castle walls.
Shahrazad, Swaying to the syncopating rhythms of drums and bells Beneath a Persian moon Drawing me to the magic of your spell.
This poem was inspired by a Persian music video I saw some years ago. I was invited to read this poem at a crowded Middle Eastern restaurant on Hollywood Boulevard. There was also a performance by a well-known local belly dancer that night.