English poem
Three Golden Threads
by Ameen Rihani (1876–1940)
Like yonder swallow, I would soar away— Above the sea, far from this buzzing mart; But how can I? A cruel, little fay Has fettered with three golden threads my heart.
Her honeyed tongue the one; her eyes the other; The third her lips; and that completes her art. No fruits from other gardens can I gather, For she has tied with golden threads my heart.
O, how I would asunder rend my chain, And from the tears and pangs of love depart; Ah, no! ’tis better that I die in pain Than break the golden threads of my poor heart.