The Lost Half
The cosmos, day and night, hath borne bright laughter true,
If once thy gaze fell here, my heart would drink its hue.
Thou art the lost half, I the seeker in desire,
Who seeks shall find; the finder’s flame shall never tire.
Though years of exile’s separation sweep me far and wide,
The light of union still within my soul shall bide.
In sorrow, weary frame is drowned in silent pain,
Yet through crimson grief my heart love’s own fire doth retain.
I cannot lift mine eyes from thy immortal face,
For in my mind thy love endureth with steadfast grace.
Hark! From night’s fevered longing, guard thy fragile flame,
Its chill may bite the flesh, yet still its fire proclaims.
Who binds their heart to beauty, love's eternal ray,
Shall live like sun itself, warm, bright throughout the day.
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Explanatory Footnotes:
1. Cosmos / Universe - Refers to the universe or cosmos in a mystical or philosophical sense; also symbolizes the poet’s beloved.
2. Lost half / missing counterpart - The “spiritual soulmate” or mystical counterpart of the seeker.
3. Separation / exile - The pain of romantic or spiritual distance from the beloved, not political exile.
4. Union / reunion - Reaching the beloved or achieving spiritual/mystical connection.
5. Mehr (love’s warmth / sun) - Symbolizes both love/affection and the sun, representing vitality and radiance.
6. Seeker / finder - Represents the mystical path; one who seeks ultimately finds.
7. Immortal - Eternal and beyond time, especially in love or spiritual beauty.
8. Fevered longing / passion of separation - Intense yearning and pain caused by distance from the beloved.
Copyright ©
Saeed Koushan
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