Selected Poems by Qurratu'l-'Ayn

Edited and translated by Amin Banani with Jascha Kessler

The King of Love

I hear the King of Love calling
me to the path of endless love.

My pen, it dares not try explain
the dazzle of his face above.

Everyone who learns that secret
wants to throw his life away.

More than the sun, His face beams bright,
Light the Earth, even at noonday.

His longing lovers start their dance,
with joy embrace calamity.

His face, that sacred looking glass
Reflects for us God's clarity.

The poor when once they see his face
are drowned in wealth and luxury.

Look! I'm not the only one—
each atom sings his majesty.

Find this God, and you will become
the "No" before every other god.