Makhtumqoli Turkmani

Translated by: Abdolqadir Wiswall

Ay Lover of mine!
I don't see you
I don't know who you are
A ring-dove or a nightingale?

My love-stricken heart is perplexed by you.
Are you a rose in midst of a garden?
Say who you are!

Are you a Sayyid, an Arif or a bandit?
The wine, a cup or the Saqi?
A year, a day or a night?
A moon or the sun?
Tell what you are?


Are you musk or anbar?
I don't know if you are the Wheel or a mill-stone.
The sea, the tide or a whirlpool?
Who are you?

Gold or silver?
Are you the Arsh, the Kursi or the ground?
A ruby, coral or a pearl?
Heavenly light or a lantern?
Say who you are!

Oh Makhtumqoli, leave the lover alone!
Away from your beloved talk
Why are you forgetful of your Lord?
The world is full of beloveds
Yet, you are still drunk and love stricken.
Say what you are?