While this beautiful poem by Nizar Qabbani is specifically addressed to his lover, I think that the theme can also be applied to any perfect and delicate memory we shield away from reality for fear of ruining it...Let us part a little..
For the sake of what's best for this love, my love
And what's best for us..
Let us part a little
Because I want you to love me more
I want you to hate me a little
For the sake of what we have..
What used to be precious memories..
For the sake of a wonderful love..
That is still carved on our lips
That is still engraved on our hands
For the sake of the letters you wrote me
And your face like a flower implanted within me
And your lingering love on my hair, on my fingers
For the sake of our memories
And our beautiful sorrow and smile
And our love which grew bigger than our words
Bigger than our lips..
For the sake of the most beautiful love story of our lives
I ask you to leave
Let us part as lovers..
Birds in every season..
Part with hills..
And the sun my love..
Is prettiest when it tries to set
Be the doubt and torment of my life
Be a legend for once..
Be a mirage for once..
Be the question on my mouth
That does not know the answer
For the sake of a wonderful love
That resides in our hearts and lashes
And for me to be prettier
And for you to be closer
I ask you to leave
Let us part…as lovers..
Let us part in spite of all the love and tenderness
Through tears my love
I want you to see me
Through fire and smoke
I want you to see me
Let us burn.. let us cry my love
For we have forgotten
Long time ago what a blessing it is to cry
Let us part..
So our love is not reduced to habit
And our longing to ashes
So that flowers in vases do not wither
Do not worry my little one
Your love still fills my eyes and conscience
And I am still fascinated by your vast love
And I still dream of having you
My knight and my prince
But I.. but I..
Am afraid of my passion
Am afraid of my feelings
I am afraid of tiring of our longing
I am afraid of our closeness
I am afraid of our embrace
In the name of a great love
That blossomed like spring within us
Shone like sun in our eyes
In the name of the most beautiful love story of our ages
I ask you to leave..
For our love to remain beautiful..
For our love to live longer..
I ask you to leave..
(Painting by Salvador Dali)