Poem #294

In faith to you I am renowned among the fair and bright

Like the candle, sitting in the rogues' quarter all the night.

Day and night sleep shuns my eyes, filled with grief and woe

I weep in separation's pain, like the candle's steady flow.

The scissors of your grief have cut my patience's slender thread

Yet still I burn in love's fierce fire, like the candle, glowing red.

If my rose-colored tears were not so hot and flowing free

How would my secret be revealed, like the candle, for all to see?

Amidst the water and the fire, my heart is yours alone

This poor, weak, weeping heart of mine, like the candle on the stone.

Send me the moth of union, love, in this dark night of pain

Or I will burn the world with grief, like the candle, in vain.

Without your world-adorning face, my day is dark as night

Though perfect is my love for you, I wane like candle-light.

My mountain patience turns to wax within your hand of grief

Melting in love's fire and flood, like the candle, brief.

Like dawn, one breath of life remains before I meet your face

Show me your beauty, that I may die, like the candle, in this place.

Exalt me with your union, love, for just one single night

That my hall may shine with your face, like the candle, burning bright.

The fire of love has seized Hafez, a wonder to behold

When will eye-water quench heart-fire, like the candle, uncontrolled?