Verses by Dimitrie Bolintineanu, translated by Julia Kalman
Please make sure to spend a minimum of 30 seconds reading my story.
I truly cherish the interaction of authentic readers. Thank you very much!
Like Esmé, a sweeter flower
With a soothing scent divine,
Never has shone under the sun’s power
From one land to another in a line.
Beneath her gaze, the strait ripples,
Gentle waves in its soft sway,
Seeing her, the Gul blushes,
In another garden, colors play.
Her gaze is like white pearls,
Hair ebony, smooth and fair,
Eyes aflame, like fiery swirls,
A mouth with a ruby rare.
Tall, delicate, grace refined,
Yet her arm is round and warm,
Her breast, a virgin’s secret find,
Where sweet mysteries take form.
Married for a year’s duration,
To people of various faith,
By many, praise and elation,
Eighteen summers she has bathed.
When she strolls in her attire,
Woven shawl from distant lands,
Like a star through clouds entire,
Another daughter stands.
Her veil slides with sweet grace,
Over her rich embroidered vest,
With the flutter of silk and lace,
And wide trousers on her chest.
When Esmé moves about the house,
Her combs touch her tiny feet,
A thousand tails, like a cascade,
In her silky tresses fleet.
On a walk, her hair cascades,
An elegant, flowing tide,
Over her head, in dense braids,
With a diamond pin, her pride.
Oh! bitter for he who gazes
For a minute without a shawl!
Bitter still for he who praises!
The longings within won’t fall!
From her forehead to her toes,
A graceful enchantment grows!
Her soul is like the morning sun,
Her body, a lily, beauty won!
Her heart in secret desire,
For a person she does yearn,
Passions, sweetly conspire,
In her burning breast, they burn.
And as Esmé’s tale unfolds its petals,
A twist of fate, where intrigue settles.
In a daring escapade, she stole away,
A secret rendezvous, come what may.
A clue, obscure, both dramatic and sly,
Inviting you to chase as the pages fly.
In this literary dance of passion and grace,
Esmé leaves a challenge for you to embrace.
So, reader, grab your coat and shoe,
The adventure awaits; it’s your story too!
Please, clap, engage, and… stay tuned for the next story…! But, most importantly, a profound thank you to each one of you. Your unwavering support has been invaluable.
Julia Kalman 