
All my
knowledge and piety I detest
What have I gained from your love in my breast?
Though the wind of separation blew away my zest
I kept my vows to Thee, sincere, honest.
As a spec of dust, I may be small at best
But through love, the sun itself is my nest.
Bring forth the wine, let me joyously ingest
For safety and security, in joy I didn’t invest.
If you are sober, save your advice and protest
Waste not your words on me, the drunken pest.
From shame, can’t keep my head above my chest
I was not of worthy service, in my quest.
Beloved didn’t say, though life Hafiz molest
Let me send him a cure to put him to rest.
Khajeh Shamseddin Mohammad Hafiz Shirazi
(Submitted by H.M.K.)