Legend calls it love at first sight, that day
Emperor Shah Jahan gazed on Mumtaz
Mahal. Still, they waited five years, delay
set by court astrologers. I’m amazed
how long I’ve gazed, seen your grace symbolized
in its pristine marble structure—jeweled
tribute to her memory; realized
how its changing color through the day led
me to study moods in your language, your
honest eyes. I marvel how it glows gold
at night, how your aura glows, the allure
of your struggle for faith making me bold,
inspiring me to mirror Jahan’s realm:
honor your presence with jeweled poems.
Roger Armbrust
September 13,
2013
