English poem
An Anodyne
by Ameen Rihani (1876–1940)
She offered me a bottle sealed A drug that healed. But in her eyes – two cups of jade – The Greater Druggist made A panacea which can even cure A jealous moor.
And in her face? I kiss the dust beneath the Maker's feet. Of all the remedies, found throughout the quest, O Beauty Ineffable, thou art the best.
Aye, even to a sickened heart Which bravely played its part, A face divine Is always an anodyne.