The moon gently drifted nearer to the river. The shadow of your arm, meanwhile, was touching that of my shoulder. As yours approached, my shadow shivered. The silhouette of your head came to rest on that of my chest, spread flat across the grass.
Over the river still and over this garden, O moon, suspend your dreamy pace!
That our shadows may share the secrets of our hearts.
O Clara beloved, radiant Habibah!
Did my shadow convey to yours my plea and my promise?
Did your shadow report to your heart and your soul?
But the moon knew better, and as it moved further, our two shadows melted into the blooming bush, while our bodies retained their postures far apart.
No two fingers had brushed, God knows; no limb had met living flesh. You rose and left.
And still, a kiss had been exchanged. While you were on your knees, I’d seen you slowly bring to your mouth the scarred wrist, still stripped from its watch, and apply to it your dear lips. As if mine had remained on that wound where they laid an hour earlier, I inhaled your chaste breath.
I gave thanks to the One who had granted our souls such a tender adieu, and went back to my room where my light shone all night.
So utterly insensitive!
He was there all along, then.
So close to me last night, and would not even let me know.
I can’t bear it...
Just when I was begging for love, thinking myself alone in the garden, hoping for him to come and kiss me.
How could such a handsome man behave so selfishly?
Doesn’t he know that Romeo is supposed to climb up to Juliet’s balcony, rather than cowardly remain hidden behind the shrubs?
Enough of him!
Please, someone, show me true love!
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