Light and Shadow at the Alhambra

The interior of the breathtakingly beautiful Alhambra Palace at night. Located in southern Spain, it remains one of the most stunning examples of Islamic architecture. I tried to relate some of what I saw and how I felt during this rare night tour of the palace. I owe the format to the poet Sadakichi Hartmann and his wonderful poem , Nocturne.

Under the light of the torches,

The sound of water near and far.

Stunning frescoes frame dark arches,

Emerald green pools reflecting stars.

The sound of water near and far,

From fountains at the lion’s gate.

Emerald green pools reflecting stars,

Round a fortress of love and fate.

From fountains at the lion’s gate,

Through the hall of the two sisters,

Stands a fortress of love and fate.

The vermillion palace whispers.

In the hall of the two sisters,

The door of justice opens wide.

The vermillion palace whispers,

Long columns in the shadows hide.

The door of justice opens wide,

And prayer comes to fill the air.

Long columns in the shadows hide,

Tall palms in the bright garden square.

And prayer comes to fill the air,

Over Sabika’s home and hill.

Voices from the shadows declare,

Stories from the past linger still.

Over Sabika’s home and hill,

The red castle’s walls still stand tall.

Stories from the past linger still.

Those seeking answers come to call.

Those seeking answers come to call,

Under the light of the torches.

Alhambra’s walls standing tall,

Where the frescoes frame dark arches.

Soft sound of water near and far,

Emerald green pools reflecting stars.