The Alchemist of Love

Tonight from all but you, my love, I shall depart, And turn this heart of copper into gold so bright. To taste the drops distilled from love’s pure alchemy, Through passion’s fire I guide my soul to ecstasy. The harp and lute intoxicate my longing heart, Yet still your words outshine the sun in every part. You spoke of rain, of thorny roads, of shoes that bind— Through midnight’s grief I keep your sorrow in my mind. While friends are drunk on wine, I’m lost within your gaze; One corner of your glance sustains my nights and days. If joy of union comes with morning’s golden ray, Before the world I’ll prove my love in open sway. I count your laughter flowing gently through each word; Each smile you give dissolves the wounds my soul has heard. For every grain of love you grant, O peace of soul, Like straw to amber’s pull, I’m drawn to make me whole. Let dawn’s soft breeze bring whispers of your name to me— That name, the secret light that shapes my melody. So known am I along the path to your abode, I guide each stranger homeward down the silent road. The wine-bearer holds ruby wine in crystal cup— Yet for your love alone, I choose to give it up. Since to your radiant face my heart’s devotion clings, I’ve turned from all the world and cut its binding strings. Though once I sought you through each weary night and day, Now in my heart’s own realm, as chieftain I hold sway. Footnotes 1. Lute – A stringed instrument with deep historical roots in the Middle East and Europe. In Persian poetry, often paired with the harp or chang to symbolize refined music, spiritual ecstasy, and gatherings of joy. 2. Amber’s pull – A reference to amber’s ability to attract light objects (like straw) when rubbed, known since antiquity. In Persian literature, it is a metaphor for irresistible attraction in love. 3. Wine-bearer (Saqi) – A traditional figure in Persian poetry, often serving wine in mystical or romantic gatherings. In Sufi poetry, the wine-bearer can symbolize divine grace or spiritual inspiration. 4. Crystal cup – A poetic image common in classical Persian verse, symbolizing clarity, purity, and beauty, often used in descriptions of wine service. 5. Chieftain I hold sway – Adapted from the Persian metaphor of (kad-khodayi), meaning the headman or master of a village. In the poem’s context, it conveys becoming the sovereign ruler of one’s own heart after finding the beloved.