December 2, 2011

"What of It"


"What of It" by Nesimi

I myself took up the cloak of blame
I smashed the bottle of honor and virtue on a stone.
What of it?

Sometimes I rise up and watch the universe from above.
Sometimes I go down to earth and loose myself in love.
What of it?

Sometimes I study life's meaning in the holy books.
Sometimes I go to the tavern and get drunk.
What of it?

The wine of this love is a sin, the orthodox think ~
The sin is mine. I fill my glass and drink,
What of it?

The pious bow to the niche in the mosque.
I bow at the beloved doorstep, pressing my face up close.
What of it?

They ask Nesimi,
are you and your Beloved getting along?
Whether we get along or not, my Beloved is mine.
What of it?