[زکریا فتاحی]

Anything but Love upon this path is idolatry
Other than light of thy union is doubtful oratory
Whoever sees but the Beloved, sees astray
The lover’s seeing eye can only see God’s glory.
Pass up all spirits, pick your cup from the divine tray
Drink of the spirit of Love, the sole elixir in history.
The soul of the lovers was woven of manly and earthly clay
Follower of the path of Love, for the worldly will not worry.
Through the highest wisdom in poverty secrets lay
Choose detachment, this path is the prophets’ story.
To that unequalled essence even the angels will pray
His throne and His court is outside the world’s laboratory.
O true Shams, Pride of Tabriz, fault me not, turn me not away
Engulfed in fiery flames is my heart and soul’s observatory.
Ó Shahriar Shahriari
Vancouver, Canada
September 15, 1998