Ghazal 319

For years I followed the drunken trail
Until my wisdom put greed in jail.

From my ashes, like Phoenix I rose
With Solomon’s bird ended this tale.

Aid my wounded heart, infinite treasure
It is in your love, destitute, I wail.

Made a vow, never to kiss the cup again;
Fool’s advice has no option but to fail.

My own old habits all turned stale,
I got what I asked, His wind in my sail.

In my state, my own will was of no avail
I followed my guidance to the detail.

I seek eternal bliss in Paradise
Though I am a mere servant of the Grail.

The wisdom of my gray head will testify
To years of patience with life’s hailstorm and gale.

Like Hafiz, I gained all my good habits
From the commandments, holy books entail.

If I am Master of poetic verse and scale
Wonder not, for years I served the Master of the veil.