Στην αγορά του Αλ Χαλίλι [Stin agora tou Al Halili] [English translation]

Burning winds menace the land of the Nile,

And an ancient exhalation intoxicates us.

Inside you, couched within the Tropic of Cancer,

a goddess inches towards birth.

With sacred smoke you’ll weave the oracle

you’ll gift me when I ask to enter,

as hierophant, into your temple

to interpret you and be interpreted.

In the bazaar of el-Khalili

They’ll put your lips up for sale

for a small fortune or two.

I’ll give three fortunes—four even—

For a love bite from you.

I will buy you copper in Karnak

and we’ll carouse with the local artists.

Nights, I’ll do you favours

That no one has ever done you before.

I will be the spring in the oasis of Siwa.

You, the diamond-sparked heavens.

You will be the Queen of Thebes,

And I an enchanted pharaoh.

In the bazaar of el-Khalili

They’ll put your lips up for sale

for a small fortune or two.

I’ll give three fortunes—four even—

For a love bite from you.