Anthoula’s Dream

Beneath the blooming almond tree,

In the cool breath of spring,

Upon silken sheets

Anthoula was sleeping.

She slept and she was dreaming—

Three young lads

Danced all around her,

Wooing her with love.

The first one gave her

A blooming branch

And a little ornament.

The second gave her

A gold coin

And a golden ring.

The third one whispered in her ear—

He had no ornament to give.

He bent down softly and kissed her

On her red lips.

The beautiful Anthoula

Was sweetly tempted by love;

In her sleep she dreamed

That she became a butterfly.

The young man took her in his hands

And admired her beauty;

He too became a butterfly

So he could always be near her.

The two of them flew up high

With their colourful wings,

Around the almond tree

Searching to find a nest.

This poem has very traditional symbolism: