Ghazal 23 by Attar

The being that nullifies its self
               becomes worthy of a prompt Union.

The wood that hasn’t wiped out the self
               cannot possibly become incense.

This incredible business takes place
               on the Path of your being and non-being.

Every time your existence becomes nought
               at once your nothingness becomes being.

O lover of self, hasn’t the time come
               for your Iblis to bow down in prayer?

You gambled your heart away in desire’s path
               so that your desire would bring you profit.

The heart becomes desire and you’re amazed
               by the celestial converting to earthly faiths.

Every breath you draw for the sake of desire
               becomes like smoke in the eyes of the heart.

Unquestionably such a smoke would turn
               your heart into a singed and sightless thing.

And so Attār has said all that he knows;
              the rest depends on those who would listen.

GHAZAL 23 BY ATTAR