Whatever the ways of the world,

^{translated from the Farsi by Haleh Liza Gafori}

 Whatever the ways of the world,
                      What fruits do you bring?

Say earth and sky fall to idolatry—
all of us on our knees, worshipping figurines. 

                       Where’s the idol, 
                       noble and clever enough 
                       to break the spell?

Say famine strikes—
no bread or bowl of rice in the land.
Royal in rank, royal heart,

                       where is your hand?
                       Where is your measuring cup
                       and storehouse of grain? 

Say scorpions, thorns, and snakes overrun the world.
Even so, 
you’re brimming with joy. 

                       Where is your garden? 
                       Take us to the flowers.

Misers rule. Generosity fades from memory. 
Your eyes see. Your heart is full. 

                       What wage will you pay?
                       What clothes will you offer the stripped and bare?

Sun and moon go down in hell’s flames.,

                       What light will you shine, 
                       what fire will you light
                       before we can’t see, before we can’t hear?

No mouth to utter Love’s secrets —

                       where are the silent translations 
                       surging from your heart?

Dear friend, 
imagine you’re a jeweler.
You have more wealth than you can count.

                       What else would you do 
                       but rain down pearls?

Come. Let’s put this all aside.
We’re drunk on a lofty ale and it’s getting late.

                       Where, my friend, is your tavern? 
                       Take us there.