The Masnavi of Giti and Saeed - Part 21, 22 and 23

Part Twenty-One — Saeed's Supplication to God One day with flute and mournful song, Saeed began a prayer so long. His patience broke, he lost his hold, His heart grew weary, tired, and cold. Disheartened by both friend and kin, Sorrow consumed his soul within. He turned toward the starlit sky And raised to heaven his mournful cry: "O Lord, Creator of all worlds, O Maker of love's flag unfurled, Why did You form me in this way And place a rose in my path to stay? Why set her beauty here on earth, Her hair a snare of endless worth? Then let us fall into her trap, Lost in love's sweet, binding wrap. Now I can no longer bear Her absence or her presence there. O Lord, free me from this pain, You are my healing, my refrain." Part Twenty-Two — Saeed's Supplication to the Morning Breeze On morning when the dawn was red, Poor Saeed felt his hope near dead. At every door he knocked in vain, No friendly hand to ease his pain. A breeze from eastward softly blew, Shaking his frame right through and through. He bowed his head before the wind, His heart with sorrow, frail and thinned. "O Morning Breeze, pause here a while, Pass through her street with gentle guile. Understand we share this pain, We've fought love's sorrow, fought in vain. But her disdain like mountains grows, How can a straw withstand such blows? If you should reach her dwelling place, I beg you, plead for love's sweet grace. Place softly on her lips so sweet A kiss to make our love complete. Whisper the ache within my heart, Tell her we need not be apart. Scatter my longing in her light, Let her know love's sweetest sight." Part Twenty-Three — Giti's Supplication to the Morning Breeze Sweet Giti, beauty beyond compare, A loveliness beyond what words can share. Her figure straight as cypress tall, Creation dressed her face with all. In charm and grace and lovely art, She could enchant the coldest heart. One morning as the sun arose, Her beauty like a fire glows. A soul-refreshing breeze came near, Lifting her gently, sweet and clear. Like moon her radiant face did shine, Her fragrant hair like sacred wine. Her lips like rosebuds softly smiled, She spoke unto the breeze so mild: "O breeze divine in breath and flight, Your scent brings heaven's pure delight. Today your breath revived my soul, A gift from Eden, pure and whole. Your perfume lingers where I rest, With melodies my heart is blessed."