A POEM OF LOVE

 

If perchance, you ever remember how we were,

Then in the soft glow

of same moonlight

Cast a glance at a shining star.

And if that star

Travels the wasteland of space

and falls to your feet.

Know, it was an image of my heart.

And if the star stays on high

But then it is inconceivable

That you cast a glance at anything

But that it would splinter and crack

Lose its being.

If perchance, you ever remember how we were,

Place a soft hand on the passing breeze

I shall be there in wafted scents.

Search me in petals of rose,

In wee mirrors of dewdrops I’ll be there.

And if you fail to find me in

In stars, wafted scents, rosepetals, dewdrops

Just look down at your feet.

You will find me there.

Circling in ceaseless journey to reach you.

If ever you see a brightlit lamp.

With circling moths daring open flame.

Know, I too have been reduced to ashes

Like many of them.

 

Pick up that dust, and fling it

In some passing river’.

The dust of me shall ride the waters.

Travel the seas, and come to rest,

On some unseen island,

Cry out for you.

And if you ever voyage out,

Do grace that distant island

Translated by

Saiyed Mohib Asad