Be Not Grieved

“Although you have not received love’s guerdon,

One day this desert will become a garden

—so be not grieved.

Do not turn your heart away, nor expostulate

Against the Beloved, but bear your present state

—and be not grieved.

Let this disgusted mind and troubled heart be stilled,

One day desire for union will be fulfilled

—so be not grieved.

Behind the curtain a secret game is being played

That you know not, so don’t give up, nor be dismayed

—nor grieved.

Once you have set out for the Beloved’s abode

Do not let mere stones and thorns turn you from the road

—nor be much grieved.

Maya will do her best to thwart your labour,

But when you have a captain like Noah you will reach safe harbour

—so be not grieved.

Although the way is full of dangers and seems to have no end,

There is an end to every beginning with this Friend

—so be not grieved.

When this Friend is the same as God, don’t plague him with petitions,

But suffer gladly love’s rules, trials and conditions

—and be not grieved



~Hafiz