Love

My thought, engaged in finding out the final truth, went to the Ka‘bah and the idol-temple both.

I wandered widely in inquiry’s wilderness, collecting my skirts like the whirlwind’s flowing dress.

Bound for an unknown destination with no guide, on my imagination’s shoulders borne astride;

Demanding wine with just a broken cup in hand, broadcasting like the dawn a net to catch the wind.

Recoiling upon myself like waves in the sea, roaming the desert in a whirlwind’s agony;

But suddenly Your love came and assailed my heart and with a mighty blow it cut the Gordian Knot.

It taught me all that being and non-being mean; it changed my idol-temple to a holy shrine;

And striking lightning fashion my self’s granary, it taught my heart the joy of burning silently.

All in a rapture I was carried off my feet; and I became a shadow, from myself discrete.

The sublimating force of what You taught my heart sent my dust soaring right up to Heaven’s starry height.

My being’s storm-tossed ship at long last came to port, and into beauty’s channel all my ugliness was poured.

I have no tale to tell except the tale of love; I do not care if men approve or disapprove.

Of learning’s light I do not have the slightest need; and all I have to do is burn and melt and bleed.