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Riddle

by Gharib Nawaz
(1142? - 1236?) Timeline

English version by
Peter Lamborn Wilson and Nasrollah Pourjavady

Original Language
Persian/Farsi

Muslim / Sufi
12th Century

Lord,
     whose face is this
          reflected in spirit's mirror?
               Such beauty painted
                    on the inner screen--
                         who is he?
Each atom
     in all space
          is filled...
               Who transcends the galaxies,
                    shows himself in every molecule--
                         who is he?
Sun
     in the costume
          of various specks of dust
               sparks forth various rays
                    of light at every moment--
                         who is he?
Outwardly
     you appear in the meat
          of our existence
               but he who is hidden
                    in soul's marrow--
                         who is he?
In soul's fete
     every now and again he sings
          a new song, melodies of peace
               touching the veils
                    of the people of the heart--
                         who is he?
He who manifests himself
     upon himself
          makes love to himself
               in the name
                    of lovers--
                         who is he?
How many times, Mo'in
     will you drag yourself and me
          between us?
               He, the goal of I and thou,
                    is there -- right there!
                         Who is he?

 

 

-- from The Drunken Universe: An Anthology of Persian Sufi Poetry, Translated by Peter Lamborn Wilson / Translated by Nasrollah Pourjavady

Amazon.com

 

Themes

  Heart
  Light
  Lover and Beloved
  Sun
 


Recommended Books


The Drunken Universe: An Anthology of Persian Sufi Poetry, Translated by Peter Lamborn Wilson / Translated by Nasrollah Pourjavady

 

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Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2011 by Ivan M. Granger.
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