The Gazals

If the door is shut
right on your face
keep waiting with patience
don't leave right away

seeing your patience
your love will soon
summon you with grace
raise you like a champion

and if all the roads
end up in dead ends
you will be shown the secret paths
no one will comprehend

ah I better keep silence
I know this endless love
will surely arrive
for you, and you, and you
( from Gazals number 965)

if your beloved
has the life of a fire
step in now and burn along
in a night full of
suffering and darkness
be a candle spreading light till dawn

even if you feel
torn to pieces
sew yourself new clothes
your body and soul
will surely feel the joy
when you simply go along

don't say what is the use
of me alone being peaceful
when everyone is fighting

you are not one
you are a thousand
just light your lantern

since one live flame
is better than
a thousand dead souls

( From Gazals 1197)

Find yourself a friend
who is willing to
tolerate you with patience

put to the test the essence
of the best incense
by putting it in fire

drink a cup of poison
if handed to you by a friend
when filled with love and grace

step into the fire
like the chosen prophet
the secret love will change
hot flame to a garden
covered with blossoms
roses and hyacinths and willow

(from Gazals number 994)

go my friend
bestow your love
even if your enemies
if you touch their hearts
what do you think will happen.
( from Gazal number 838)


This is another poem for Rumi From : Fountain of Fire
translated by Nader Elkhlalili