Modern Othello

By Mory Keita

I pictured myself at her feet, holding her hands,

Quixotically asking with admirable élan,

“Would you take me for a husband, O dear Desdemona?”

Oh! she looks at me, one hand on her breasts,

Somehow happy, an indiscernible joy,

And Somehow with pity and she replies tottering,

“O charming Othello, perhaps with a diamond ring.”           

Have chivalrous customs lost their worth?

O diamond, heavenly crystal of delight,

Treasure of kings and Muse of modern men,

Why must thou interfere with my love and happiness?

O princess Desdemona, what dost thou wish?

If thou want power, I shall grant to thee my kingdom,

If thou wish other riches,I shall provide them unto you:

Golden Tapestries from the land of the Arabs,

Furs from the wondrous country of Mongolia,

Potteries from Nubia and all Africa and Asia,

Woolen garments from cashmere,

And bibliothèques of knowledge from the Jew;

Or if thou wish, I shall conquer everything beneath the horizon,

Or I shall ordain Moors to build a golden temple in thou name.

And she replies with  soft melodic tunes,

 “O noble Othello, my heart cherishes a diamond ring,”

O Diamond, how did thou corrupt my Desdemona’s eyes?

I have offered her all riches dear to women’s heart.

 I look into her eyes, seeking an answer and say,

“Now, O sweet Desdemona, why dost thou refuse all?”

Again I ask, “Is thou love of diamonds greater than thou love for me,”

And she replies, “No my dear, diamonds are untamed by time, so will our love.”

Modern Othello