Category Archives: quatrains translated from Rumi

When he saw my dear gaunt and sallow face, With tears of blood flowing from brook-like eyes He smiled, and with a laugh said: my darling! O my tortured brat- O my dear nasty child! چون زرد و نزار دید … Continue reading →

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Since I have known the melodies of love, I have torn the veil from the face of joy. I have played my lute with the bard of love And like daf and ney, both are played as one. تا پرده … Continue reading →

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No lover is he without feet quick like the soul, Who does not turn about the Moon like stars at night. Listen to me- my speech is not vile nonsense: No flag dances but by the longing of desire! عاشق … Continue reading →

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Without love, joy and mirth cannot increase, And life cannot blush with beauty and grace. A hundred clouds may rain upon the sea, But by pain alone is drop by pearl encased. Note: According to poetic tradition, pearls are formed … Continue reading →

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O heart, pass by love, beloved and companion; In your eye, girdle them like the Zoroastrian. Melt in the crucible of Nothing, without fear- For this poverty is free from stranger and friend. note: second line= regard all that you love … Continue reading →

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Often has heart run after her, to no avail; All desire, fresh and old, gambled- to no avail. Desperate, caged in chest’s corner, with cunning Plays all its arts and wiles, but to no avail. دل از پی دلدار بسی تاخت … Continue reading →

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O soggy log, you will never dry out Until fire blazes forth from your heart! Rip off body’s cloak for the bosom friend, And learn love from the Master of love’s art. ای هیزم تر خشک نگردی روزی تا در … Continue reading →

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All my wiles in loving you are nothing; And all the blood drunk for you is nothing. Where the hint of remedy for love’s pain; Who has my cure, when my pain is- nothing? در عشق تو هر حیله که … Continue reading →

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I said, because of my longing for you, I’m nuts! Do I see your chains of curls in my sleep, or not? He replied, shut up! Why spin a yarn about this: Crazy and asleep? What phooey, O one well … Continue reading →

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This fire of longing cooks me, To the bar each night drags me; With winos gives me a seat- And where only drunks know me! This quatrain is about the kharabat- a place of ruin where love for God is … Continue reading →

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