Ghazal of Zinda-Rud

You say that these roses and tulips are permanent here; no, they are travellers all, like the waves of the breeze.

Where is the new truth which we seek, and do not find? Mosque, school and tavern, all alike are barren.

Learn a word from your own self, and in that word burn, for in this convent all lack Moses’ fire.

Speak not of the striving for purity of these monastery — dwellers, they are all dishevelled of hair, blankets unwashed.

What temples they have fashioned within the Sanctuary, these unitarians of one thought, but all split in two!

The problem is not that the hour of feasting has passed, the problem is that they are all without sweetmeats and boon-companion!