I am a lily of the valley

I am a flower, a narcissus.
I am a lily of the valley.
A lily among thorns,
Like my lover is among women.

Like an apple tree in the woods
Is my lover among men.
I delight in resting in his shadow.
His fruit is sweet to my lips.

He takes me to the feast.
He showers me with love.
He feeds me raisin cakes
And with apples he refreshes me.

If I faint in love,
He places his right hand
Under my head. And he
Embraces me with his left,
Holding me tight to himself.

O daughters of Jerusalem!
I earnestly ask you -
Do not stir up in love,
Before it’s time for love.


A free verse rendering of Chapter 2
Of Songs of Songs in the Bible.