Prose · XII
Shulamite
הַשּׁוּלַמִּית
Foreword
Here the Shulamite speaks in the tongue of Lady Godiva — a surrender read as scripture, where every plea is also a prayer.
In the realm of love and passion, there exists a dance between two souls that transcends the boundaries of time and space. It is a desire, of longing, of surrender. It is a dance that is both divine and dervish, both sacred and pure. It is a waltz that consumes the heart and ignites the soul.
In the words of Lady Godiva, "Cover me with thy wings, plant on me kisses so sweet, throw me about as your dervish muse." Godiva is describing the longing of her long-awaited King like the Shulamite to King Solomon, painting images of her King with erotic and ethereal qualities. These words speak of a love that is all-encompassing, a love that envelops the beloved in a cloak of protection and desire. The imagery of wings suggests a sense of freedom and flight, of being lifted up and carried away by the intensity of passion. The kisses, sweet and tender, are a symbol of affection and intimacy, a gesture of love that is both gentle and passionate. And to be thrown about as a dervish muse is to be swept away by the intoxicating allure of the beloved, to be caught up in a whirlwind of desire and ecstasy.
"Sway me with your torque and I will follow you, fall upon me with your girth, entice me with your tongue, plant thy noble seed deep within me." These words evoke a sense of surrender and submission, of giving oneself over completely to the whims and desires of the beloved. To be swayed by torque is to be moved by the irresistible force of sensuality, to be drawn in and captivated by the magnetic pull of love. To fall upon the beloved with girth is to be consumed by the sheer magnitude of their presence, to be overwhelmed by the intensity of their love. And to be enticed by their tongue is to be seduced by the power of their words, to be lured in and captivated by the promise of pleasure and fulfillment.
"Grip me with thy strength of thy hands, hold me in your heart, marry me with soul." These words speak of a love that is strong and enduring, a love that is rooted in the depths of the heart and soul. The grip of the beloved's hands is a symbol of their strength and protection, a gesture of support and reassurance. To be held in their heart is to be cherished and valued, to be treasured and adored. And to be married with soul is to be united in a bond that transcends the physical and the material, a bond that is eternal and unbreakable.
"Carry me at your bosom, inscribe my name on the palm of your hands, deal patiently with me — for I'm but a woman child!"