Author Archives: bill gannett

return, o saqi, for i am desirous of your attention. i am longing for counsel and prayer for my well being. by the grace of the cup of your bright happiness, show me the way out of my dark confusion. … Continue reading →

your curl’s twists are the snare of religion and blasphemy,and of all your attributes, this is merely a scent! your beauty is the wondrous proof of goodness, butthe history of your glance is clearly magic. whose soul can endure your … Continue reading →

in the reign of the shah, forgiving of fault and defect,hafez has drained, and the mofti has emptied, his glass. the sufi sat in the cloister’s corner behind a barrel of wine,until he saw the mohtaseb pass with bottles on … Continue reading →

last night, in our circle of friends, the story was of your curls.into the heart of night, our talk was of your long, curly hair. the heart ran with blood from your eyelash’s arrows,and was longing for the arched bows … Continue reading →

Now that the rose has been born from nonexistence- the violet has lowered its head at its feet. Drink the morning glass to the sound of daf and harp- kiss both cheeks of the Saqi with song of ney and … Continue reading →

i am he whose table at the wine-house is the khaneqah,and prayer for the magian elder is my dawn rosary. if morning does not bring the harp’s melody- so what,my dawn’s music is my sighing petition of thanks! i am … Continue reading →

This morning, when he journeyed to the wine-shop the aref was purified by the bright water of wine. As soon as the sun’s golden bowl sinks from view, the moon’s crescent points to the time of cup sharing. Beautiful the … Continue reading →

for god’s sake, sit less with those wrapped in robes- don’t hide your face from the unadorned rend! in this cloak there is a great defilement, but joyous is the wine-seller’s appearance! you are slender of form and without strength … Continue reading →

welcome, bird of fortunate strength and happy message,happy arrival! what news of the friend- where is he? o lord, may your timeless grace guide our caravanby which the enemy and mistress are well engaged! all between me and my beloved … Continue reading →