The gypsy girl with wild black curls dances with the moon in the town square. The impish moon tarries on her nubile breasts and the spiteful padre aroused chases the impish moon away. the moon the moon the moon The moon drips honey between her August tinted breasts. Floating on six steel butterflies she bathes her nubile breasts with frankincense and myrrh. Tonight, she aches for Africa— wild like the feral Bedouins wild like the guitars in the town square and she swirls in dreams of seething Moorish winds, bareback on Arabian horses. Tonight, all night we lie on pristine white sheets. I'm inside her! At last, I'm inside her! Inside the girl with the wild black curls and the rhythms of flamenco burn us. te amo te amo my gypsy girl with the wild black curls I love you. A few words about the poem… Echoes of Fusion of Two Cultures | The Andalusian Poems   I n the poem 'Flamenco,' part of the Andalusian Poems series, the dance unfolds as a gypsy girl and the moon entwine in the town square. The narrative melds celestial elements and earthly desires seamlessly.   The moon, deemed impish, provocatively lingers on the girl, drawing disapproval from a padre. The rhythmic refrain of "the moon" echoes the flamenco dance's energy. The poet weaves the celestial and human, crafting a tapestry of desire.   The moon's descent, dripping honey between her August-tinted breasts, adds a sensory layer. The gypsy girl, floating on six butterflies a reference to the sound of the six strings of a guitar, ritually bathes with frankincense and myrrh.   As the narrative progresses, a yearning for Africa introduces dimension, evoking Bedouin spirit and town square melodies. Dreams of Moorish winds—a liberation from the oppressive morality of the Catholic faith, and of Arabian horses enrich the narrative, entwining cultural references seamlessly.   The climax intensifies as the speaker exclaims being 'inside her,' expressing love and gratification for both partners with rhythmic intensity. The repetition of 'te amo' reinforces emotional depth. 'Flamenco' adeptly blends language and imagery, portraying desire, cultural richness, and the dance of celestial bodies within the framework of the Andalusian Poems.   The mesmerizing dance portrayed in 'Flamenco' mirrors the historical dance between Moorish and European cultures in Andalusia. The interplay of the gypsy girl and the moon serves as a metaphor for the intricate connections forged during the Moors' significant influence on Spanish Medieval and Catholic culture.   The moon, labelled impish, symbolizes the foreign Moorish influence that lingered provocatively on the Iberian Peninsula. This dance of cultures was not always met with approval, as represented by the disapproving padre, echoing the historical tensions between the Moorish and Christian realms.   The rhythmic refrain of 'the moon' in the poem resonates not only with the flamenco dance but also with the enduring impact of Moorish music and rhythms on the region. The infusion of Moorish elements into the local culture is woven into the fabric of Andalusia, much like the rhythmic patterns in the poem.   The moon's descent, with honey dripping between the gypsy girl's breasts, symbolizes the richness brought by the Moors, including advancements in science, medicine, and agriculture. This cultural fusion, bathed in rituals of frankincense and myrrh, mirrors the blending of Moorish and European traditions, creating a unique and sensorially rich atmosphere.   The yearning for Africa in the narrative reflects the Moorish roots deeply embedded in Andalusian culture. The mention of Bedouin spirit and the melodies of guitars in the town square evokes the vibrant echoes of Moorish influence, echoing through centuries.   The climax of the poem, where the speaker expresses being 'inside her,' becomes a metaphor for the intimate intertwining of Moorish and European cultural elements. The repetition of 'te amo' symbolizes the enduring love and appreciation for the diverse cultural tapestry woven over centuries.

I drifted to The Moon last night looking for my life. Mister Barman if you please, a bottle of your best red my ghosts will soon be here. Michael's story Our witty gentle friend; Michael on most nights and Stephanie the rest. Many hurled abuse at you many more broke your bones. Terrified, you ran to the Moon for shelter. We nursed you back to health we mended your bruised body but there was no cure for all the scars they left inside. Our dearest kind friend, none of us could see the rope in your eyes. May you now rest in peace, you were born an age too soon. Victoria's story I drifted to The Moon searching for a summer dress. With a Gauloises between your lips and a Bacardi in your hand, you were the coolest girl I had ever seen. Victoria, the girl with a hundred lovers but still a virgin in her heart. In a moment of sheer madness, we promised to be faithful. And we were; well almost, except for a few nights. But it was the sixties then and wantonness was no sin. Soon we stumbled into love. We became tongue-tied and we blushed like children. On Primrose Hill under a lilac sky, we weaved our vows on the summer moon. I gathered violets and bluebells and pinned them in your hair. I was speechless. No one ever looked more beautiful than you. My sweet Victoria burning; incandescent; this was the fever of first love. I drifted to The Moon last night looking for my life. A few words about the poem… The Echoes of the '60s | A Poetic Journey in "The Half Moon" | A Coming-of-Age Poem In the embrace of the 1960s, a decade that unfurled like a kaleidoscope of change, a coming-of-age poem titled 'The Half Moon' emerges as a captivating vignette of youth, love, and loss. With an evocative voice, the poem leads us through the bustling streets of North London, particularly Finchley Road, a hub of cosmopolitan vigour where many youngsters took their first steps toward adulthood.   'The Half Moon,' as an emblematic club, beckons us into a world filled with the echoes of the era. It encapsulates the fervour of the '60s, a time when rebellion was in the air, and societal norms were being questioned. The club's vibrant atmosphere reflects the youth's desire to break free from conventions and embrace a more liberal way of life, mirroring the spirit of the decade.   Amidst this vivacious backdrop, the poem weaves the tales of Michael and Victoria, two souls touched by the fervent spirit of the '60s. In the story of Michael, we glimpse the harsh realities faced by many during those transformative years. The poem paints Michael as a gentle and witty friend, subtly addressing the untimely end of his journey. It is a poignant narrative that captures the heartache of an entire generation.   Victoria's story, in contrast, is a snapshot of youthful love and the wantonness of the '60s. The poem’s style allows us to witness this blossoming love without being carried away by superlatives. Victoria, with her allure and free-spirited charm, embodies the zeitgeist of the era when boundaries were pushed, and love was often found and lost in the same breath. The “Moon” represents an era of change and exploration symbolizing the incomplete journey of youth into adulthood, just as the '60s represented a halfway point between tradition and the unknown.   The poem stays true to the spirit of the '60s by not using rose-tinted glasses to recall memories. It delivers an objective overview of its themes while inviting readers to dive into the depths of a bygone era. With its subtle yet evocative language, the poem resonates as a testament to the transformative spirit of the decade and allows the reader to glimpse the evanescent beauty and turbulence of youth in those years.

A fierce wind scorches Cordoba tonight lewd and shameful like a greedy lover. Crawling in through doors ajar and open windows it caresses all hungry lovers entwined the tortured old and the restless young. Relief does not come easy to anyone who sleeps alone tonight. Forgotten thirsts and sinful cravings stir in the breasts of shrivelled maidens; bewildered and ashamed, they press their palms in prayer for mercy to the Lord above. Dazed teens in their love-starved beds lie in sin and in abandon with hungry thighs shameless hands and aching flesh. In this charged and sensual night the unblemished bride-to-be writhes in fever on her virgin bed yearning for a sultry Moor— heathen, steaming and obscene; and she knows that tonight is not a night for doubts and piety. She wants to undo her gown slither down on the rampant beast and satisfy her unsated greed. She shrieks and howls through the night welcoming his frenzied thrusts — exquisite pain, boundless pleasures — and when morning comes, she knows she has traded her mortal soul for lust. A few words about the poem… A Moorish Lover Fantasy of a Virgin Bride | Andalusian Poems   "Cordoba Nights," part of the series Andalusian Poems, transports the reader to a world of intense passion and lust, set against the backdrop of Cordoba, a city that is both beautiful and dangerous. The vivid imagery captures the essence of Andalusia, a place where Moorish and Catholic cultures collided and merged, in the Middle Ages creating a unique tapestry of sensuality and restraint.   Through the poem's striking symbolism, we see how the fierce wind scorches Cordoba like a greedy lover, and how it crawls in through doors ajar and open, caressing all hungry lovers entwined. The poem speaks to the restless young, the tortured old, and the shrivelled maidens whose forgotten thirsts and sinful cravings are stirred by the charged and sensual night.   The unblemished bride-to-be is at the heart of the poem, whose yearning for a sultry Moor leads her down a path of exquisite pain and boundless pleasure. As she surrenders to her desires, the bride-to-be knows that she is trading her mortal soul for lust, embracing a way of life that is at once thrilling and dangerous.   Through "Cordoba Nights" the poem explores the themes of love, lust, and the clash of cultures, offering readers a provocative and deeply affecting journey through the depths of human desire.

In Alfacar, the poet dreams of gypsy stallions in the Andalusian hills and valleys. “Cordoba. Distant and lonely”* he weeps in pain in the arms of the malevolent blue moon. Now, no one is left to mourn the poet of Sunday's dawn no one is left to mourn him. A bronzed guitar laments: Six sparrows flew south with all his minor chords sealed in an empty coffin. *From Lorca’s poem “The Horseman’s Song Read A Short Biography of Federico García Lorca   Spain's greatest poet and playwright A few words about the poem… The Death of the Poet | A Tribute to Federico Garcia Lorca   The poem serves as an allegory for the death of Spain’s most renowned poet and playwright. Set in Alfacar it pays tribute to Federico Garcia Lorca, depicting the poet in dreams of gypsy stallions in the hills and valleys of Andalusia, and symbolizes Lorca's artistic inspiration and connection to his cultural roots.   The mention of Cordoba, a city associated with Spanish heritage, highlights Lorca's longing for distant and lonely places. The poet is portrayed as weeping in pain, embraced by the malevolent blue moon, suggesting the sorrow and anguish he experienced during his final moments. The poem emphasizes the absence of mourners for the poet, alluding to the silence and lack of justice surrounding Lorca's assassination.   The image of a bronzed guitar lamenting signifies the loss of Lorca's artistic voice and creativity. The sparrows flying south represent his poetic melodies and minor chords, sealed within an empty coffin—a reference to the fact that Lorca’s grave has never been found— and an indication of the suppression and destruction of his artistic legacy. The poem captures the tragic fate of Lorca, a silenced voice whose absence leaves a void in the literary and cultural landscape.   Note: The poem references a line from Lorca's own work, specifically "Cordoba. Lejana y sola" ("Cordoba. Distant and lonely"), showcasing the intertextual connection between the poem and Lorca's own writings.

In Alfacar under the melancholy shade of a cypress tree, the guns are resting. The poet is dead. Breathless in an empty coffin he laments Ignacio. At five in the afternoon two twisted ravens daughters of a lurid moon took his soul away. The crowds mourn the hero but who will mourn the bard? And will anyone give his poems shelter? Cordoba will give his poems shelter echo the Andalusian valleys. The moon tires of Granada, its crowds, their laments and tears and now she sails for Cordoba. She climbs to the sky devouring all the weeping voices in her darkness. From his empty grave, the bard begins to recite his poem: “Once so long ago, when lust was the same as love, a Gypsy woman took the devil for her lover. To them, a girl was born; by fifteen, her wild black curls her playful lips and fledgling breasts were driving men insane When I saw the unsullied child I was struck by madness. Seven nuns clasped their shrivelled hands and twelve obedient goblins found me guilty. But I was inflamed by her purity and the lust for sin she promised in her eyes. Now I'm back in Cordoba looking in her narrow-cobbled streets for the girl with the wild black curls. Gypsy rhythms flamenco on the river and there are five brothels and a church on every corner. Priests and whores and those asunder all walking hand in hand pay their dues to God and mammon don Quijote: 'My good lady Dulcinea leaning on the lamp post, have you seen my girl with the wild black curls? She has slender limbs and shy young breasts and lips made for sinning.' The whore: 'My esteemed hidalgo don Quijote, for a doubloon, I can be that shy young girl and for two, I can even be her younger sister.' and she grins me a toothless smile. I take her to a cheap hotel room. We heave, we pant and scream all night and day and the girl with the wild black curls, at last, is mine. But the time for a doubloon is almost up. Her mask comes off and the curls fall off. With a toothless grin, she takes the money and then walks into the night looking for a lamp post. In the room next door, twice as cheap at twice the cost, the padre weeps. The padre: 'Forgive me, Lord, since she was a child I watched her from the pulpit and I sinned in thought and when alone I sinned and sinned in deed.' Aroused beyond all measure he brings the scourge down until drained of his pious lust the padre collapses on his knees. Prostrated and spent on the faded marble floor with fresh and old stains he begs the Lord's forgiveness.” The end of the poem, the curtain comes down. Thunderous applause. The audience in an onanistic frenzy shouts for more. But the guns under the melancholy shade of the cypress tree are on the move again; they kill the Don; they kill the girl; they kill the padre; they kill the applauding audience. Then they kill each other and everyone in the town is dead. All drowned in a putrid heap of torn words and broken hopes. The bard in his empty grave with a Delphic smile and a flourish of his pen scribbles down the final line: THE END Read A Short Biography of Federico García Lorca   Spain's greatest poet and playwright A few words about the poem… Notes from Andalusia – A Tribute to Federico Garcia Lorca   A poem that explores the themes of death, rebellion, and social boundaries. It captures the essence of the human experience and its relationship to power structures and societal norms. This poetic tribute to Federico Garcia Lorca speaks of how different groups within society hold sway and exert control over those deemed to be outside of their sphere of influence.   It draws the reader in with vivid and striking imagery, conjuring up a sense of place that is both haunting and beautiful. By exploring the complex relationships between different groups in society, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of power, grief, and loss. It challenges us to question the boundaries that we set for ourselves and how we are shaped by the forces around us.   “Notes from Andalusia” is a meditation on what it means to be human in a world that is shaped by forces beyond our control. Its apocalyptic ending questions the value of friction when even the victors of conflict may ultimately face a broken society.

Once you begged for absolution but you straddle seven hills. Frenzied Arabian horses swirl at your open gates your porcelain-white limbs are kissed by the broken moon and you fastened your sainthood to the bottom of the sea. My Queen, have we not met in a brothel once before and did you not take my silver then? In your back streets and bazaars the red flower and her crazy daughters whirl inside the world of hookahs dazed agas in shrouded brothels lust for virgins with milky thighs and for plump boys made for fun. Your slender fingers stroke the saz dervishes chew on seeds and grow wild and a skinny monk maimed by sin and virtue prays for the resurrection of the Marble King. A muezzin locked high in the holy tower rests his pounding heart at the feet of God and from his pit of pain and madness sings to the world each at dawn 'God is great, Allahu Akbar, God is Great' A few words about the poem…   Byzantine Tales: The Eternal Allure and Transformation of Istanbul   "Istanbul," a poem that mirrors the themes found in " The Universal Harlot ," delves deep into the storied and multifaceted identity of this legendary city. Situated at the crossroads of East and West, Istanbul has been a beacon of cultural confluence and historical significance for centuries. This essay explores the layers of Istanbul's history as portrayed in the poem, emphasizing its transformation and the continual influence of its diverse past. Through these "Byzantine Tales," the city’s journey from ancient absolution to modern magnificence is illuminated.   The poem opens with a powerful image of a city once seeking "absolution" but now proudly straddling "seven hills." This transition reflects Istanbul's journey from a place of spiritual and political tumult to one of majestic grandeur and resilience. The reference to the "seven hills" alludes to the city's topography, akin to ancient Rome, highlighting its historical depth and its importance as a seat of empires. These "Byzantine Tales" set the stage for a narrative rich in cultural and historical layers.   The depiction of "frenzied Arabian horses" at the city's gates evokes the many invasions and migrations that have shaped Istanbul’s history. These horses, swirling at the open gates, symbolize the constant flux and the dynamic nature of the city's existence. The "porcelain-white limbs" kissed by the "broken moon" conjure images of beauty amidst decay, a recurrent theme in the "Byzantine Tales" that speaks to the city’s eternal allure and the scars left by its tumultuous past. On another level, these may be viewed as metaphors for the great church of St Sophia and the Islamic emblem of the Crescent Moon.   The poem’s address to Istanbul as "My Queen" and the recollection of a past encounter in a brothel introduce a personal and intimate tone. This personification of the city as a queen who once took silver from the speaker adds a layer of historical intrigue and suggests a transactional relationship, mirroring the city's role as a hub of commerce and conquest. The "Byzantine Tales" here reflect the intimate connections and exchanges that have defined Istanbul’s character over centuries.   In the "back streets and bazaars," the imagery of the "red flower and her crazy daughters" whirling in a world of hookahs paints a vivid picture of the city's vibrant and sometimes chaotic decadent daily life. These scenes are rich with sensory details that capture the essence of Istanbul's markets, filled with the sights and sounds of a diverse populace. The "dazed agas in shrouded brothels" and their lustful pursuits highlight the city’s darker, more hedonistic side, integral to its complex identity as depicted in these "Byzantine Tales."   The poem’s portrayal of "dervishes" growing wild from chewing seeds and a "skinny monk maimed by sin and virtue" praying for the resurrection of the "Marble King" adds a spiritual dimension. This juxtaposition of mysticism and religious fervour with the city’s worldly vices encapsulates the duality of Istanbul. The "Byzantine Tales" here emphasize the spiritual struggles and aspirations that have coexisted with earthly desires throughout the city's history.   The image of a "muezzin locked high in the holy tower," whose "pounding heart rests at the feet of God," brings the poem to a powerful close. This figure, singing the call to prayer from his "pit of pain and madness," embodies the spiritual devotion and anguish that define much of Istanbul's historical narrative. The repeated chant of "God is great, Allahu Akbar" echoes through the city, reminding us of its deep-rooted Islamic heritage. These "Byzantine Tales" illustrate the enduring influence of faith and the city's role as a spiritual centre.   In "Istanbul," the poem encapsulates the city's rich tapestry of history, culture, and spirituality. From its ancient beginnings and its quest for absolution to its status as a vibrant metropolis, Istanbul’s story is one of continuous transformation and resilience. The "Byzantine Tales" woven throughout the poem highlight the intricate interplay of power, faith, and identity that define this timeless city. Through these tales, Istanbul emerges as a living testament to the enduring spirit and cultural fusion that have made it a beacon of history and hope for generations.

I trekked this path before the scent is too familiar— it is the scent of tarnished oaths. The rusty ring she wears pollutes the water in the well and the poplars in her street whisper in a foreign tongue. The aspiring would-be poet hides in a spider's silver web with a blushing unicorn she has held to ransom since the day she became a woman. Her universe was once a green reflection until a songsmith dropped a pebble in the well and her Camelot existence rippled into nothing. In a montage of unrestrained pleasures they watch a cherry red chameleon crawling on the hard breasts of the moon and masturbate to the rhythm of an old song she now claims her own. A wistful minstrel, drowning in a vortex of green light recites to her poems of deviant pleasures "don't ever close your eyes, darling" but the foolish girl imagines the unicorn is now her new lover yet she knows she only felt alive when she raged at the troubadour from beyond the seething lake. Part of the mosaics cycle of poems A few words about the poem… The Poet's Betrayal | A Surreal Symphony of Self-Discovery | A Coming-of-Age Poem In the intricate tapestry of surrealist and poetic expression, "The Poet's Betrayal" unfolds as a mesmerizing symphony, each verse resonating with the delicate cadence of broken promises and the transformative crescendo of desires. This coming-of-age poem, an odyssey through surrealist landscapes, invites readers into the profound labyrinth of self-discovery. Embarking on this poetic journey, the narrator older poet retraces a well-trodden path, where the scent of ancient oaths hangs heavy in the air. It is a fragrance that speaks of a journey seasoned by time, where the once-familiar becomes tinged with the poignant hues of betrayal. A rusty ring, donned by the young poetess leaves its imprint not only on her finger but also on the pristine waters of the well—a metaphor for the purity of a memory now tainted. As the narrative unfolds, the poplars lining her street become silent witnesses, their whispers forming an enigmatic language that mirrors her internal conflicts. These arboreal sentinels stand as metaphors for societal expectations, foreign and incomprehensible, imposing a discordant reality upon her aspirations. Finally, they come to symbolize the young poetess’ ultimate betrayal of her older poet lover. At the core of this surreal odyssey, the aspiring young girl weaves herself into a silken cocoon alongside a blushing unicorn, a captive companion since the inception of her womanhood. This union symbolizes both innocence and restraint, a dance between longing for freedom and the comfort found in captivity. Here, the poetess grapples with the dichotomy of self-expression and societal expectations, each step a profound exploration of identity. Her once-glistening universe undergoes a transformative disruption, echoing the legendary fall of Camelot, a place of blissful existence. In their story, the poet in the guise of a mysterious troubadour and an agent of change, drops a pebble into the well of her familiar roots, sending ripples that dissolve the sanctuary of her Camelot into nothingness. This symbolic unravelling marks the departure from stability, thrusting the poetess into the tumultuous waters of chaos. In a montage of unrestrained pleasures, the poetess and her unicorn companion bear witness to a surreal spectacle—a cherry-red chameleon navigating the moon's unyielding bosom. Against the rhythmic backdrop of an ancient melody, of which the poetess claims authorship, intertwining her narrative with the cosmic dance of desire and symbolism, this tableau becomes a reflection of her internal landscape, a mirror held up to the complexities of her evolving consciousness. The poet, now disguised as a wistful minstrel, emerges from the green light of lunar revelation, reciting to her poems of uninhibited pleasures. The incantation, "don't ever close your eyes, darling," serves as both a plea and a subtle hint, encapsulating the precarious nature of the poetess’ newfound awareness. It invites readers to consider the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination, desire, and restraint. Yet, the naive girl within the poetess envisions the unicorn as her new lover, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy once more. In this distorted perception, she acknowledges the vitality pulsating within her when confronting the troubadour, a symbolic force looming beyond the seething lake. Eventually she accepts that the two are bound together by the thread of a poetry existence but she also realizes that she will one day betray him for a newer lover. "The Poet's Betrayal” orchestrates a rich, multi-layered narrative. The narrator as the protagonist poet, through vivid imagery and the subtle interplay of symbols, invites readers into the kaleidoscopic realm of human experience. Each verse serves as a brushstroke in the canvas of self-discovery, painting a profound exploration of transformation, desire, and the inevitable discord that disrupts idyllic realms. As readers delve deeper into the poem's intricate melodies, they find themselves entangled in the enigmatic journey of the two poets, a journey that mirrors the universal quest for understanding and meaning.

Our situation was absurd. Improbable. Impossible even the voice of reason screamed. But we knew this from the start. So we banished the voice. We were so happy. Our minds and souls joined in perfect harmony and in fingers entwined we held the universe— the universe we built with the audacity of the young. In our brave new world, we dared do what others feared. A world free from all the chains and all the limits of convention. And when our lust was sated we lay in that secret place where lovers go to dream and whisper poems to the wind. English post introduction A few words about the poem… A Coming-of-Age Poem: An Objective Exploration of 'A Love Story T his coming-of-age poem, part of the collection Cyprus Poems, explores the theme of forbidden love and the defiance of societal norms. The author's choice of words, though not overly evocative, conveys a sense of the unconventional nature of the relationship. The opening lines set the tone, describing the situation as "absurd" and "improbable," emphasizing the perceived impossibility of their love by the voice of reason. However, the poem takes a turn as the narrator and their lover choose to "banish the voice" and embrace their love with happiness. This shift represents a departure from societal expectations and a willingness to defy convention. The use of phrases like "joined in perfect harmony" and "held the universe" subtly conveys the intensity of their connection. The poem also touches on the idea of youth and audacity, highlighting the impulsive and fearless nature of their love. The phrase "a world free from all the chains and all the limits of convention" emphasizes their desire to break free from societal constraints. Towards the end, the poem becomes more introspective, describing a moment of contentment and reflection in a "secret place." This moment of intimacy is portrayed as a space where lovers can dream and share their innermost feelings.

Sweet songbird of Saranti look at the purples in the hills see the vines on the slopes with red and white grapes. Strange songsmith of the flatlands I see the vineyards and the forests but the grapes are still green and the rocks are soaked in brine from the grief of weeping songbirds. Hear the gallop of red horses they are coming to steal the water; listen to my brothers weeping on a stick with honey and lime. Sweet songbird of Saranti come with me to the harbour into the house by the quay, before the fairy's voice lures you to the sticks with honey and lime. In our lemon-scented bedroom we'll feast on grapes and honey drinking water from the well before the horses come to steal it. My lover from the flatlands I fear the gallop of red horses and the sticks with honey and lime. The red riders will pull my fledgling feathers, they’ll put me in a jar and my smooth white thighs they'll sell to the highest bidder. A few words about the poem… A Tale of Allure, and Hidden Perils | A Coming-of-Age Poem In the coming-of-age poem "Sweet Songbird", from the collection Cyprus Poems, the reader is presented with an allegorical tale that delves into the perilous journey of young girls drawn to the allure of urban lights. The poet paints a stark contrast between the picturesque hills of the mountains and the troubled flatlands, each holding its own secrets and hidden truths. At first glance, the scenery exudes tranquillity and beauty—the purples in the hills and the vineyards adorned with red and white grapes create an idyllic façade. However, beneath the surface, a deeper narrative begins to unfold, hinting at the unsettling reality that may lie ahead. The poem's allegorical nature lends itself to multifaceted interpretations, and one can't help but ponder the underlying meaning behind the captivating imagery. Symbolizing the innocent and vulnerable girls, the sweet songbird becomes an emblem of youthful naivety enticed by the city's promises of grandeur and delight. Through the songbird's lens, the reader gains insight into the conflicting emotions—the allure of the city's bright lights against the safety of the countryside. Yet, as the poem unfolds, a sense of foreboding begins to permeate the verses. The "red horses" galloping to steal water evoke an image of powerful and possibly menacing forces encroaching upon the songbird's tranquillity. The "sticks with honey and lime" become a subtle warning, luring the innocent into perilous traps disguised as sweet temptations. Even the narrator, who presents himself as a protector and a saviour, leaves room for doubt. As the girl contemplates the decision to venture into the city, the reader cannot help but question the narrator's true intentions. Is he genuinely concerned for her well-being, or does he harbour ulterior motives masked by a reassuring demeanour? The poem subtly alludes to the notion that even those who offer protection may not be all that they seem. Amidst the enchanting descriptions of lemon-scented bedrooms and feasting on grapes and honey, the poem's tone assumes a mystical allure, drawing the reader deeper into its narrative. It unfolds like a cautionary tale, where innocence becomes a delicate feather that may be plucked away and sold to the highest bidder. The poem delivers an objective and informative account of the inner conflict faced by the sweet songbird. The verses beckon the reader to consider the universal struggle of the young torn between the promise of dreams fulfilled and the shadow of unforeseen consequences. The imagery and descriptive language create a palpable tension, as the enchanting facade clashes with the darker undertones of forbidden allure and seduction. As the poem cautions against hasty decisions, it ponders on the complexity of human motives and the ever-present need for discernment when navigating through life's enchanting yet treacherous landscapes.

Once upon a time when we were almost children… Do you remember walking in the park? You were warm and gentle like a breeze blowing in the willows. The lilies smiled and blushed and the grand old trees weaved their leaves to give us shelter. I truly loved you then but youth has no patience and is a fool to the world. Life was beckoning and I closed our book before it ever opened. You asked, " Why " and your tears fell onto the lilies and the lilies wept. Now this ancient poet's jaded voice calls to you from across the bridge—my darling one, we met two years too soon. A few words about the poem… Nitah | A Coming-of-Age Poem From the Collection Cyprus Poems “Nitah,” is a poignant coming-of-age poem from the collection Cyprus Poems, that explores lost love and the lingering ache of missed chances. The speaker reflects on their past romance, haunted by memories that still resonate. A powerful and moving piece that delves into the themes of love, loss, and regret. The poem weaves a tapestry of emotions that resonates deeply and invites introspection into the journey of life. Nature becomes a silent witness to the couple's story, infusing the poem with mystical allure. 'Nitah' embraces life's fleeting moments and unveils the raw vulnerability and strength in human emotions.

The Sixties was a good time to be young but you had barricades inside your head. Alarm bells and sirens went off every time you tried to cross the line. Resisting all thoughts of impropriety you fought me off with so much bravery and all year long you wore a cross of sainthood around your blushing neck. You needed to be faithful, you told me, to the one who said he would respect you. Funny though, you were never really happy. Not once did I see a smile on your face. Fires were burning your modest flesh torturing you without mercy. Frightened, you found comfort in your books and solace in your daily prayers. A slave to the sin of piety, prudence was riding heavy on your pious shoulders and the year went by, our time wasted— you wanting me and me wanting you. A few words about the poem… The Sin of Piety and Repression of Desire - A Coming-of-Age Poem This coming-of-age poem, part of the series Cyprus Poems, journeys through the tumultuous landscapes of the Sixties, a decade steeped in change and revolution. Delicate threads of love and loss are woven, inviting contemplation of the human heart's yearnings. The backdrop of the era provides a nostalgic ambiance, setting the stage for the inner struggles of youth to unfold. As the poem weaves its narrative, it creates a compelling exploration of emotions, emphasizing the raw beauty of vulnerability in human relationships.. The heart of this poem lies in evoking a myriad of emotions—nostalgia, empathy, and introspection. The interplay of love and loss acts as a mirror, reflecting a journey through life's labyrinth. As the poem traverses the Sixties, it does not merely recount events but intertwines the personal experiences of the young teenagers who navigate through that transformative era. The poem becomes a vessel through which the inner struggles of youth are exposed, as their struggles, their dreams, and their dilemmas become an intricate dance of emotions, resonating across time and space.

I. A day in July— fires, bombs, a storm of death. The drums of war —monotonous, incessant— pierce the eery silence of TVs and panic-stricken phones. Martial music plays non-stop and a newsman with a gun heralds the dawn of a new day. In the brutal summer heat machine-gun fire rages on. Corpses are rotting in the streets, mothers keen their dead sons and brothers kill their brothers. II. Silence for a few days then the drums begin once more. This time terror has a foreign face. Speechless radios, TVs, and phones cower in hushed and quiet corners. Tanks rumble in the streets and death hovers in the pungent air. Grey Wolves bark and snarl knocking on doors at three a.m. Boys and men are dragged out of bed young girls are brutalized and abused without mercy. The screams behind the prison doors go on for endless days and nights. Each morning mothers gather at the gates— few relieved to hear their sons still scream more, grief-stricken to listen to their silence. A day in July— fires, bombs, a storm of death. A few words about the poem… Exploring History: “July 1974” from the Cyprus Poems Collection The power of poetry lies in its ability to transcend the boundaries of time and space, to encapsulate human experiences in words that resonate with readers across generations. Within the collection of the "Cyprus Poems," some poems serve as a reflection and a testament to the turbulent history of Cyprus in the 20th century. Among this collection is the poem titled "July 1974.” This poem comprises two distinct parts, each offering a sobering glimpse into the harrowing events that unfolded during that fateful month. As an objective and factually correct introduction, it is imperative to provide an overview of the historical context that serves as the backdrop for this evocative work. July 1974 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Cyprus, a Mediterranean island nation with a complex and multifaceted history. The poem serves as a chronicle of the profound turmoil and suffering experienced by the Cypriot people during this period, a time characterized by political upheaval, violence, and foreign intervention. The first part of the poem delves into the consequences of a coup d'état that transpired on the island, plunging it into a state of chaos and fratricide. The carefully chosen words paint a vivid picture of the societal fabric tearing asunder, with themes of destruction, death, and the agonizing division of families taking centre stage. It is a stark portrayal of the human cost of political turmoil and the devastating impact it can have on a nation's soul. The second part of the poem shifts its focus to the subsequent invasion by Turkey, an event that further exacerbated the suffering of the Cypriot people. This section describes the cruelty inflicted by the invading army and the anguish of a population caught in the crossfire. It is a sobering account of the brutality of conflict and the indiscriminate pain it inflicts on innocent lives. Throughout the poem, the language used by the author is characterized by its descriptive and slightly evocative nature, employing light poetic touches to create imagery while maintaining an authoritative and informative tone. The absence of flowery language underscores the author's commitment to allowing the reader to form their own judgments. In conclusion, "July 1974 offers a factual and unbiased portrayal of the historical events it seeks to capture. It is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to illuminate the past, engage with the present, and provoke contemplation about the complexities of human history. As we delve into its verses, we are invited to bear witness to a chapter of Cyprus's history that is both sombre and instructive, reminding us of the enduring need for empathy, understanding, and peace in a world marked by strife and division.