Poem #284

Last night a voice from the tavern corner cried

'Sin is forgiven! Drink the wine, cast fear aside!'

God's grace will do its work, fear not what may befall

The angel brings the news of mercy to us all.

Take this raw intellect of yours to where the wine flows free

Until the ruby vintage brings its blood to boil in glee.

Though union is a gift not won by effort or by strain

Yet strive, O heart, as best you can, despite the toil and pain.

God's kindness far exceeds the measure of our sin

What do you know of secrets sealed? Be silent! Look within.

My ear is enslaved by the ring of the Beloved's hair

My face upon the tavern dust, in humble worship there.

Hafez's wayward, randy ways are not a grievous sin

The King's great generosity will cover what has been.

The Judge of Faith, Shah Shuja, whom the Holy Spirit obeys

Wearing the ring of his command in ancient, mystic ways.

O King of the Throne, grant him his wish, and keep him safe and sound

From every evil eye and harm that in the world is found.