Fatemeh Devotions (Based on a news story about a very young Iranian man who married an old lady named Fatemeh in order to be spared military service)

Gem of Persia, dear lady,
I pray thee, be my wife
though you are nearly eighty
and I at the brink of life.

For you, the whitest stallions.
For you I will provide
if you save me from battalions
and be my hoary bride.

You’ll be safeguarded, lady,
wherever we are housed.
You shall stay ever virgin.
I will not be aroused.