Fairuz the Mother

On New Year's Day, "Ziad Rahbani" dawned...

A bud of love, a nightingale still in its down.
Fairuz clasps him with the devoutness of the Virgin.
What glad tidings — as though made for Assi and for Fairuz!
Who has seen the greatest joy made complete?
Who has seen the smile of contentment shine upon Fairuz's lips,

as they assure her that his head is like his father's head!
Who has seen happiness suffuse her childlike face?!

★

Fairuz inspired Assi with marvels of melody,
and sent them forth from the golden throat as the tenderest of song,

so that hearts are drunk with the magic of this voice,
and with the colored, dancing moments it bestows, which raise the soul to its feet and seat it down again,

...and lull it to sleep on pillows of silk... and roses!

★

Tomorrow, with the truce to come, Fairuz will appear before us with something fresh and new,
and it is certain that Fairuz's motherhood will lend the soft ring of her voice
a savor from heaven — none more reverent, none more tender....

We are waiting for "Ziad's" song....