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Showing posts from January, 2025

Attar of Nishapur

Your curls’ breeze revives Jesus’ breath;      your face’s glow reveals Moses’ vision. Head for the garden to drink dew at dawn;      the breeze reports the flower to the nightingale. Spiritual yearning revokes physical craving,      Desire the Beloved; reject the manna and quails. If only you'd emerge from behind the veils      to burn the cloak of pretence and deliver the truth. My heart demands the touch of your curls      but with hearts in each hair, what need for mine? I’m abstinent for thirty years, but Ill become a wine-seller      should you reflect your splendour in my cup. If my Beloved would throw aside the veils      Mani’ gallery would be splendidly adorned. If my Beloved would raise the veils      youd see only the pious at the tavern. In the pits of Hell ‘Attar will be in your debt      if youd shine us your glory from Heaven.  from ...