Poem #204

Remember when your hidden glance was mine to hold

while the seal of your love blazed visible upon my face of old.

Remember when your chastening glance could strike me down

yet Christlike miracles lived within your sugared lips' soft frown.

Remember the dawn-wine poured in that intimate hall

where none were but my beloved and me—and God with us all.

Remember when your face lit joy's candle burning bright

and this seared heart turned a fearless moth within the light.

Remember in that hall of grace and polished art

the one who laughed like revelers incarnate was the wine's own heart.

Remember when you laughed like the ruby of the cup

between my soul and your red lips what stories bubbled up.

Remember when my darling buckled tight her slender waist

the crescent moon within her stirrup sped across the waste.

Remember when I sat a drunken tavern guest

and all I miss within my mosque was in that shrine possessed.

Remember when your guidance set the pattern straight and bright

for every uncut gem that Hafez held, refined beneath your light.