Author Archives: bill gannett

from the beginning, the one worthy of the grace of fortune, until the end, holds the cup of desire as the soul’s friend. that very moment i was about to repent of wine- i said, “if this vine bears fruit, … Continue reading →

come sufi, and we will rip off the cloak of hypocrisy, and draw a line defacing this portrait of fraud. we will pledge the alms and offerings of the monastery- we will wash the cloak of deceit with wine-house water. … Continue reading →

my service in the wine-house began a long time ago, in the robe of poverty working for those of great fortune. i lie in ambush for the opportune moment to snare the pheasant of graceful walk with the net of … Continue reading →

Last night, I vowed to drive passion for her face from my mind. She said; “where are the chains for me to manage this Majnun?” I likened her stature to the cypress- she drew back in anger. Friends, the beloved … Continue reading →

A thousand times, I have tried to make you my friend For you to fulfill the desire of my restless heart. You have become a light for my eyes keeping vigil, And become the companion of my hopeful heart. Since … Continue reading →

Come, because the Turk of heaven has plundered the feast’s table, And the festival of the crescent points to the time of cup-sharing. That one wins the reward for fasting and proper pilgrimage, Who pays holy regard to the dust … Continue reading →

Saqi, bring the tulip-cup now that it is filled with wine; why this incoherence, and how long this nonsense? Leave all pomp and pride behind, because time has seen Caesar’s robe rot away and King Kay lose his crown. Be … Continue reading →