Observations placeholder
Khusrau, Amir - Ghazal 490 [extract]
Identifier
020613
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
Ghazal 490: man banda-yi an ruy ki didan naguzarand
I am enslaved by that face
no one's allowed to see,
driven mad by ringlets
no one's allowed to touch.
A thirsty flame licks my breast,
and displayed in the distance
a refreshing drink
no one's allowed to taste.
Whether I look at him or not,
I don't have long to live.
Is this any time, my friend,
not to be allowed to look?
Hearts and eyes by the hundreds
await your arrows. So unfair-
is it only hapless me
they're not allowed to strike?
Lord, what tortured agony
this captive bird must feel!
They won't approve its sacrifice
and it's not allowed to fly.
Let me hear a single word,
and I'll give up my soul.
Am I to die frustrated
and not allowed to hear?