Last night, far from your face, O soul, my soul burned with grief,
The clouds of my eyes poured torrents from the heart’s disbelief.

In reflection, reason—poor and weak—was trampled by love,
While my restless heart, distressed, still longed for sleep above.

The drum of your separation pillaged the city of my heart,
Your love’s constable roused reason, tearing it apart.

Your name’s imprint became the altar of existence's prayer,
Till dawn, chanting your praises, my heart was anchored there.

My eyes searched for you; they said, “You shall not see the beloved.”
Yet my eyes shimmered with hope, mercury-like and unresolved.

In the beginning, the heavens seemed sweet and divine,
Who knew this honey hid a poison so malign?

Saadi, this path through the sea of love is treacherous and deep,
Both the start and end of patience offered but shallow relief.