English Summer

A pretty picture sitting by the kitchen sink
as one prepares scrumptious cream tea, scones and jam.
Brightening up the day with pretty shades of pink,
Who'd have thought they're once from a bride named Tam.

Intoxicated by the Wine of Love

Intoxicated by the Wine of Love

From each a mystic silence Love demands.
What do all seek so earnestly? 'Tis Love.
What do they whisper to each other? Love.
Love is the subject of their inmost thoughts.
In Love no longer 'thou' and 'I' exist,
For Self has passed away in the Beloved.
Now will I draw aside the veil from Love,
And in the temple of mine inmost soul,
Behold the Friend; Incomparable Love.
He who would know the secret of both worlds,
Will find the secret of them both, is Love.


- Farid ud Din Attar - translation Margaret Smith -