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Alef (2009)

Performed by  Jennifer Panara and Kevin Korth at "An Evening of Sahba Aminikia's Music"

April 24th, 2011

San Francisco Conservatory of Music Concert Hall

www.jenniferpanara.com

Based on the poetry by: Omar Khayyam

 

 

 

 

Text:

I must abjure the Balm of Life, I must,

Scared by some After-reckoning ta'en on trust,

Or lured with Hope of some Diviner Drink,

When the frail Cup is crumbled into Dust!

 

If but the Vine and Love-abjuring Band

Are in the Prophet's Paradise to stand,

Alack, I doubt the Prophet's Paradise

Were empty as the hollow of one's Hand.

 

Oh, threats of Hell and Hopes of Paradise!

One thing at least is certain-This Life flies;

One thing is certain and the rest is Lies;

The Flower that once is blown for ever dies.

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