The First Date

The First Date

Mahmoud Darwish Translated by: Denys Johnson-Davies/The Music of Human Flesh. Squeezing my hand, She whispered three words to me: The most precious thing I had all day: ‘Tomorrow we’ll meet.’ And the road enveloped her. Twice I shaved, Twice shone my shoes, And took my friend’s suit-and two liras With which to buy her sweets and white coffee. I sit alone While lovers smile And something tells me: We too shall smile. Perhaps she’s on her way, Perhaps it slipped her mind. Perhaps … perhaps… Tow minutes more to go. Half-past four. Half an hour has passed, An hour, two hours. The shadows stretch themselves And she who promised did not come at half-past four.