Ghazal 355

For now I see the wisdom of the time in this:

that I move my belongings to the tavern and sit happily.

I will take the cup of wine and distance myself from the hypocrites —

that is, from the people of the world I will choose a pure heart.

I will have no companion but the flask and the book —

so that I see fewer treacherous friends in the world.

I will raise my head in freedom from the people, like the cypress,

if I am given the chance to gather my hem from the world.

So much did I boast of piety in the stained cloak —

I am ashamed before the face of the cupbearer and the colored wine.

My narrow breast and the burden of her grief — alas! —

my poor heart is not the man for this heavy load.

Whether I am the rend of the tavern or the city's ascetic —

this is my merchandise that you see, and I am less than this.

I am the servant of the Asaf of the age — do not lead my heart astray —

for if I utter a word, the sky will seek revenge.

Upon my heart is the dust of oppressions — O God, do not allow

the mirror of my loving nature to become tarnished.