*two rubais

You walk in looking like you’re about to say,

“Enough of this!” But it’ll take more

than frowns and harsh talking

to make my love leave.

This is the undauntable bird,

who’s never been caged,

or felt fear.

……………………………………………

Imagining is like feeling around

in a dark lane, or washing

your eyes with blood.

You are the truth

from foot to brow. Now,

what else would you like to know?

……………………………………………

– by Jalal al-din Rumi, 1207-1273 (translated by Coleman Barks)

* The rubai is the four-line poem indigenous to the Persian language.