Jay Narain Poet Free verse

This Or That

I have loved Thee with two loves -
a selfish love and a love that is worthy of Thee.
As for the love which is selfish,
Therein I occupy myself with Thee,
to the exclusion of all others.
But in the love which is worthy of Thee,
Thou dost raise the veil that I may see Thee.
Yet is the praise not mine in this or that,
But the praise is to Thee in both that and this.

By Rabia al Basri (A classic Sufi poet)

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Andrea Dietrich June 23, 2025 at 1:35 PM oh, so this is by a poet called Rabia? What a great poem about two sides of love.

Eve Roper July 16, 2024 at 8:25 PM Well said and written, Jay. I also feel that there are two loves. Enjoyed reading.

Speaks Volumes April 23, 2023 at 5:03 PM This is a beautiful poem Jay. I hadn't read his poems before. Its so relatable isn't it? I think most of us have two types of love in us. Until this and that become one. I enjoyed it. Thank you for posting it.