This ancient world

This ancient world,
A heap of brush and ashes,
Is hard to endure without
A fire—breathing sigh.

The tale of those in love
Is brief, indeed, to relate:
The sorrow’s piercing pleasure,
The wound as soothing as balm.

Convention and absorption
Are the two paths for Muslims;
Absorption is the secret
Of the heaven of heavens.

Without pure absorption,
O wise traveller!
There is no visible path,
No leading light of faith.

The secrets of love are
Audacity and courage;
Not every urge is bold,
Not every absorption daring.