Like a connoisseur I shall seek the bouquet of that wine
Both worlds and their dignitaries I shall put out of line.
I’ll climb the tall mountain and of love raise the sign
With a humble and clear heart I shall sigh and confess
If for a year or so in the bottom of a pit confine
The mad heart-stricken me, emancipation shall press.
Since I have committed to climb that incline
Upon any opposition my resolve shall impress.
I and thou, heart and body, I myself do not define
With head and heart stay away from this corporal regress.
With your demands you also give the means and the design
Wherever I look, all I see is your loving kindness.
When I drink from the wine of love, every moment I silently resign
I put on my armor, ready for war, in battlefield I seek success.
Why, against the untimely and the dark night I am fearless
Because even from the west you cause the moon rays to shine.
O Shams-e Tabrizi this sapping separation of mine
Has caused me to go into the marketplace, noisy and restless.

Ó Shahriar Shahriari
Vancouver, Canada
July 1, 1998