The hummingbird

The hummingbird, the green prince of the heights,

feeling the dew and seeing the sun's clear light

shining into his nest of woven grass,

shoots up in the air like a gleaming dart.

Hurriedly he flies to the nearby marsh

where the waves of bamboo rustle and bend,

and the red hibiscus with the heavenly scent

opens to show its moist and glistening heart.

Down to the flower he flies, alights from above,

and from the rosy cup drinks so much love

that he dies, not knowing if he could drink it dry.

Even so, my darling, on your pure lips

my soul and senses would have wished to die

on contact with that first full-fragrant kiss.