The Masnavi of Giti and Saeed - Introduction, Part 1 and 2

Introduction "The Masnavi of Giti and Saeed" is a modern reimagining of a classic Persian love epic, woven from the threads of ancient myth, Sufi mysticism, and the eternal yearning of two souls. It tells the tale of Giti and Saeed—lovers bound by fate and challenged by the trials of longing and destiny. In this retelling, the timeless language of Persian mysticism meets contemporary poetic sensibility, inviting readers into a world where each image, each sigh, carries the weight of devotion and the spark of transcendence. ____________________________________ Part One — In the Name of God O Sovereign of the world's design You know all secrets in the wine The painter of both seen and hidden realms Your wisdom guides where fortune helms. The fountain of each form and face In You all qualities find place. Your breath gave life to lifeless clay, Your light still guides us on our way. First written in love's sacred flame, O Craftsman of beauty—praise Your name! Sweet Venus tunes her aching strings, For longing hearts her melody sings. Before all time, Your being stood, Self-sustained, eternal, wholly good. None bore You forth, nor child have You, Yet boundless joy from You flows through. The lover learned from You to yearn, In Your sweet absence, watched hearts burn. We glow with warmth Your presence brings, And bow in thanks for all good things. Part Two — The Cause for Telling the Tale One day, in sorrow for my friend so dear, I wept for love that brought both joy and fear. "O Heavens! Why this bitter mask you wear? Why turn my song to notes of deep despair?" Without that moon-faced, radiant light, Each day I burned through endless night. Each dawn brought cries of aching pain, Till all the world could hear my strain. How, when, and where this tale took flight— With her, so rare, so pure, so bright. That sea of grace, my soul's sweet bane, That lovely sprite who broke my chain. How did she cast me in sorrow's deep sea? How did her absence wound the heart of me? So much I wept, so many prayers I cried, I left it all to fate to be my guide. Let destiny reveal what it may show, What fruits from this sweet madness yet may grow. I wrote this tale of love's eternal flame, Love came and sealed my fate and carved its name.