Poem #361

Upon the earth where my beloved trampled me with such cruel disdain

I lay my kisses there, and beg forgiveness for the dust that stains her train.

Think not I am one to murmur at your tyranny or cry in pain

God forbid! I am but a faithful slave, seeking only where your favors reign.

Within the curving darkness of your tress, I bound my long-held hope

let not the hand of longing fail, or lose its fragile, desperate scope.

I am a speck of dust that settles in your street, a joyful, humble prize

yet I fear, O friend, a sudden wind may sweep me from your eyes.

At dawn, the tavern Elder gave to me the world-revealing cup

and in that mirror I saw your face, and let my spirit lift me up.

Once I was a Sufi in the cloister of the holy sphere

but now the Magian tavern is the only home that I hold dear.

Arise with me, the roadside beggar, and to the tavern let us flee

see what a sovereign rank I hold within that merry company.

You passed by drunk, and gave no thought to Hafez in his plight

alas, if my burning sigh should singe your beauty's hem tonight!

It pleased me when the Eastern King declared at break of day

'For all my crown and royal power, I serve Turanshah's sway.'