Then through that dim murkiness

by Hakim Sanai

English version by Coleman Barks
Original Language Persian/Farsi

Then through that dim murkiness,
I saw an old man with a radiant face.

"You are the moon!" I called out.
"Where did you come from?"

"I am beyond substance and space.
I am creation's cause, here to lead you
back to your home. Hold close.
and let my fire consume you. Don't be afraid
of losing your strength here. This fire
is one which has a spring of eternal water
inside it. As your animal-soul dies,
your new soul will be born.
Live humbly with me, and I will
raise you into majesty."

He talked more to me in silence,
without using syllables. He gave me
love and light and eyes to see,
and together we set out.

-- from The Hand of Poetry: Five Mystic Poets of Persia, with Lectures by Inayat Khan, Translated by Coleman Barks

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Then through that