Paradise Now

Here with a loaf of bread beneath the bough,
a bottle of wine, a book of verse – and thou
beside me singing in the wilderness –
and wilderness is paradise now.

“How sweet is mortal sovereignty – think some:
others – “How blessed the paradise to come!”
Oh, take the cash in hand and waive the rest;
Oh, the brave music of a distant song!

Look to the rose that blows about us – “Oh,
laughing”, she says, “into the world I blow:
At once the silken tassel of my purse
tear, and its treasure on the garden throw.”

Think of the battered caravanserai
whose doorways are both night and day,
how king after king with his pomp
abode his hour or two and went his way.

Oh! My beloved, fill the cup that clears
today of past regrets and future fears –
tomorrow? – Why, tomorrow as today
myself with you and your love will stay.
Myself with you and your love will stay!

Lyrics in part by: Omar Khayyam adapted to music by: Michel Montecrossa
Additional lyrics: Michel Montecrossa, Music: Michel Montecrossa, © Mira Sound Germany