Waiting for the Caravans

The young men gather at the city gate.
Waiting for the caravans to arrive.
Who will be the first to taste the sweet fruit?
Or offer the latest scent to his lover?

One holds back. Waiting for the glance of his master.
The disheveled one.

Who talks to camels. And sings of the Beloved.
Whose gift is the sweetest perfume of all.

Fall Fruit

The fruit tree has scattered her sweet fall offerings.
Pilgrims, do not pass by hungry!

These apples sing of the Divine.
Telling us that the Beloved is near.

Keeper of the Key

Standing at the dargah's door.
The guardian welcomes all pilgrims.
From dawn to dark night, he stays at his post.
Sweeping and cleaning, scattering flowers.

Now his journey begins.
The path leads from this place to another temple door.
Guarded only by the breath of the Beloveds.

The Swan

Pushing past the dense marsh grass, the golden swan enters again the clear waters.

Shaking her wings, the droplets fall.

Each a prayer of rejoicing in the Blessings of the Beloved One

This Well

Come pilgrim to this well!
The wine will make your feet dance, and flowers will spring from your hair like golden bees.
No more pushing that old cart up the mountain.
The Beloved is calling you to his side.

Hidden Gardens: For Tule

Spinning, the dervisha turns with eyes closed.

Doors open to gardens we cannot see.
Yet, the perfume of those enchanted flowers, heard in your song,

is our heart's delight!

For Abraham

Oh musician! How we gather at your call.

Knowing that our circle is your prayer.

And our song, the glass of wine.

Lifted to the Beloved's lips.

Night Watcher

Silent watcher of the night sky.

You point out the comets and constellations, but inside you hear the dark matter's pulsing "Hu."

Now is the time to raise your voice in the remembered song.

The sky canopy is our dance tent.

And, it is your turning that calls us home to the Sema once again.

for Tom

The stars burn steady in this night sky.
No flickering here, as the angels gather to witness your holy turning.

Each of us in turn blessed by your gaze.
Reminded, once again, of the Beloved One's generosity.

Let our eyes reflect His divine healing song.
Resting so gently on your sweet breath.