"SCENE FROM AN ACHAEMENID CHARBAGH"

a blaze in the orient sky, the Divine fulgurations ! 

Auramazdā reveals with the Sun :
the deep yellow eye of Atar's fire  
boil within the curved horns of a Bezoar ibex...

dark and swirling turpid
is its light :
profulgent womb gravid
with the blistering rays of Asha

burgeons of aromatic flowers
pang in aryan sunrise

the fulvous botany swell with life :
petals of livid roses burn red
and the ambrosial whiffs of the Marjorams
spread repose in the zephyrous air

the foliage of the cypresses of Pārsa
beneath the burning porphyry
glisten

rows of gorgeous jasmine
frame the stoned waterways
harmoniously

around Jamshid's mausoleum
the stream wanders its pilgrimage
and the water lilies rest pale
and peaceful upon that stillness

unnumbered moons have shone its reflection
upon this hush surface azure :
the blue is simply beautiful

ponds, canals, rills and fountains

pomegranates, cherry
olives, figs and dates

here is
paradise on earth

here is salted the soul
in immemorial brine of harmony

i swell in this Achaemenid moonlight tonight !

here is testament
to the immortal beauty
of Pārsa