from Ibn al-`Arabi, Turjuman selections, translated by Michael Sells

Poem #47
From a Fevered Heart and a Broken Mind
translated 22 May, 10 December 2003

Moringa dove among the tamarisks, space
folds in from what you've made me bear.

Who can take the sorrow desire brings?
Who will swallow the bitter drink of fate?

From a fevered heart and a broken mind cure me!
I cry to the one who wracked me with longing

He passed by the door of the house. He teased
then hid, then veiled his face and turned away

It wasn't the veiling that hurt me.
It was the turning, turning, turning away.