Bright Rose
A Version after Iqbal
You cannot loosen the heart's knot,
perhaps you have no heart,
no share in the turmoil
of this garden, where I yearn
but gather no roses.
Of what use to me is wisdom?
Once out of the garden,
you are at peace. I am anxious,
scorched as I search.
Even *Jamshid's empty cup
foretold the future: may wine
always satisfy my mouth,
that open circle in the mirror.
* The mythical Persian king Jamshid saw the reflection of all events in a wine cup.
By Rafiq Kathwari whose collection, In Another Country, is available here.