Leave Behind Temptation

    Let's Be Pure

    Come on! Come on! Come on, now! Let's be pure.
    Let's end our flirtation with temptation,
    let your glance cleanse us of degradation,
    return to the pure wine we drank when we
    sat in congregation, the cups passed 'round
    and offered up with no hesitation,
    pure, cool, shimmering nectar of salvation.
    We drank in secret — some days in the street.
    Our wine's perfume was carried off so far
    even the desert beasts yearned for its sweet.
    But you're the key that opens up the jars
    of that red flow, when friends sit at your feet.
    There, every priceless thing becomes a lie.
    There, drunk on wine and drunk on you, I lie.
    I love and drink, and when I hate I die.
    My friends, forgive me! My Lord, hear my cry!
    I'm melting with desire and love's duty
    for my Master — Just look at his beauty! —
    my refuge from death and calamity.
    May God bless any land where Shams may be!
    God gave Tabriz the best of his bounty.


    Rejoice in Silence

    People, rejoice! His gate is open wide.
    We are not alone — we're saved at his side.
    People, rejoice! This is the day of grace!
    Your lover holds the Holy Book in place.
    Don't fret about the things that you have lost.
    The full Moon rose! It scattered all that dross.
    Camp here! Tie your camel at this station.
    This is heaven past all calculation.
    In love's shame, there is a secret silence,
    the silence of fidelity. No words.
    Be silent! Know the secret of silence.
    Be patient!