Translated by Khashayar Mohammadi
word came: where are you from, you who seem so distressed I said: I’m from the realm of familiarity, yet dispossessed word came: what is it you seek? since you seem lost in your aim I said: I’ve come to sit in your court, begging and depressed word came: what bird are you? singing of rank and place I said: an eloquent one from the realm of the distressed word came: should you get drunk on life, you shall clearly transcend I said: from worshipping this drink I’ve grown now self-possessed word came: you’re not worth a single grain if it is austerity you seek I said: I repent as an ascetic, austerity I know not best word came: how do you find me, in lieu of attraction? I said: like a field of flowers, on the hill of love expressed word came: I’m that Bergamot, that does not fit into this world I said: you’re better than bergamot, since you cannot be possessed word came: why are you airborne in love, afloat as a particle I said: since I’ve lost my head, flown upward to the celeste word came: tell me Khwaju, what do you see in my eyes? I said: the tale of drunkenness, is a divine secret, I attest
Khwaju Kermani (Persian: خواجوی کرمانی; December 1290 – 1349) was a famous Persian poet and Sufi mystic from Iran. He was born in Kerman, Iran on 24 December 1290. His nickname Khwaju is a diminutive of the Persian word Khwaja which he uses as his poetic penname.
Khashayar “Kess” Mohammadi (He/They) is a queer, Iranian born, Toronto-based Poet, Writer and Translator. They are the winner of the Vallum Poetry Prize 2021 and author of four poetry Chapbooks. Their debut poetry collection “Me, You, Then Snow” is out with Gordon Hill Press.