Ghazal 838
Elixir of Life

if you pass your night
and merge it with dawn
for the sake of heart
what do you think will happen

if the entire world
is covered with the blossoms
you have labored to plant
what do you think will happen

if the elixir of life
that has been hidden in the dark
fills the desert and towns
what do you think will happen

if because of
your generosity and love
a few humans find their lives
what do you think will happen

if you pour an entire jar
filled with joyous wine
on the head of those already drunk
what do you think will happengo my friend
bestow your love
even on your enemies
if you touch their hearts
what do you think will happen

Rumi, Fountain of Fire
Translated by Nader Khalili