Poem #231

I said, 'I bear your grief with heavy heart'—she said, 'Your grief will end.'

I said, 'Be my moon'—she said, 'If it should ascend.'

I said, 'Learn fidelity from lovers true'

she said, 'From the beautiful, such faithfulness is rarely due.'

I said, 'I'll block the view to your imagined grace'

she said, 'It travels by night and comes by other ways to this place.'

I said, 'Your tresses' scent has led my world astray'

she said, 'If you truly knew, that scent would guide your way.'

I said, 'Sweet is the air that rises from dawn's gentle breeze'

she said, 'Sweeter still the wind that from the beloved's quarter frees.'

I said, 'Your ruby lips' sweetness slays us with desire'

she said, 'Practice servitude, for servants it will nourish higher.'

I said, 'When will your merciful heart intend to make peace?'

she said, 'Tell no one till that time's release.'

I said, 'You saw how intimacy's time came to an end?'

she said, 'Hush, Hafez, for this grief too shall end and mend.'