Except for His homage, what can you say?
Except for His homage, what can you say? Whatever homage and tribute you say is His homage. Wake up, O pal, how long will you sleep? The Sun of the World Wake up, O friend, from this heavy sleep! Behold the face of the beloved manifest in every particle. When you are asleep you are hidden in your selfhood. The sun of the world is hidden from your eye.
June 7, 1984 Affliction of the Heart One who is not softened by a sigh is steel hearted, Or who is not warmed by the moaning of the heart burned, He has cast a lasso of cruelty about his neck. The affliction of my heart causes him no shame. Sun O sun! Rise, for we are all sleeping! We are glowing with the fever of separation from your face. Every quarter and rooftop is enlighten by your face, But we are like bats and are veiled.
February-March 1984 A Sleeping Heart What is the world illuminating sun compared to your eye? Where is the memory of the face of the beloved in a sleeping heart?[^1] With your clay body you shall not become an angel. O my friend! Where is the dust and the Lord of Lords? Wayfarer Arise because those who tread the path are all on the way, Constantly they move on toward the dwelling, There, where there is no memory save that of the Friend, The depressed hearts are all black faced.
July 15, 1984 Think of a Way If we cannot be obedient we shall sin. We shall turn from the seminary to the khanaqah.[^2] The cry “I am the Truth” was the way of Mansur.[^3] Oh Lord, aid me so I might think of a way. Mt. Sinai O Friend, take me to the service of a Pir.[^4] Defender, take me to be initiated.[^5] My desire is to reach Mt. Sinai by this long way. Befriend me and send me a bosom friend. February-March 1985 Memory To whom should I complain of separation from you? My Defender!
To whom should I go with my case against you? The tempest of your sorrow would snap asunder the thread of existence. Your memory shall go, and I shall even forget the memory of myself. Complain Oh Pir, I desire the khanaqah. Obedience is of no benefit, I desire sin. The companions have all departed for the Ka'bah. I complain of myself for I desire the place of sin. February-March 1985 Face of the Beloved Oh meadow lark, get out of this cage! Paradise seeks you, become enchanted!