poetry

I spent a lifetime romancing with wine and roses, but none of my efforts ever went right; since none of my desires was fulfilled through wine, I’ve given up on what is past. Translated by Juan Cole from [pdf] Whinfield 56

Bartender, since fate has defeated you and me, and this world is not a dwelling for you and me; but given that we have a glass of wine in our midst know for sure that the truth is in your hand and mine. Translated by Juan Cole from [pdf] Whinfield 55

I was deep asleep when a wise man said to me, ‘The rose of joy never bloomed  for anyone from slumber! What are you doing?  Life is short! Hit the bar, since you’ll get  plenty of sleep when you’re six feet under. Translated by Juan Cole from Whinfield 51

If the heart knew the secret of life as it really is, it would also know, in death, the divine mysteries. Since you know nothing of yourself today, what will you know tomorrow when you’re gone from yourself? Translated by Juan Cole from Whinfield 52

You’ve seen the world, and all you’ve seen is nothing; and everything, as well,  that you have said and heard is nothing. You’ve sprinted everywhere between here and the horizon; it is nothing. And all the possessions you’ve treasured up at home are nothing. Translated by Juan Cole from Whinfield 50

No one can pierce the veil of mystery. No one’s soul is aware  of this arrangement. Only in the heart of the black earth do we have a home. A shame this story isn’t short. Translated by Juan Cole from Whinfield 47

Khayyam, why do you beat yourself up  over your lapses? What’s the profit or loss  in regret? Whoever hasn’t sinned can’t be forgiven. Forgiveness came  for sinning– why drown in remorse? Translated by Juan Cole from Whinfield 46

Man of the cloth, do me a favor. Take a deep beath and  do God’s work for us. We’re on the straight path, but you see crookedly. Go heal your eyes and leave us alone. Translated by Juan Cole from Whinfield 4

Since things are not going  to work out the way we want, where will it get us to dwell on our struggles?– Except to sit around moping that we got here late and we’ll have to leave early. Translated by Juan Cole from Whinfield 45