Friday Sufi Poetry Share

All of the following poems are credited to Lalla-Ded and were found on poetseekers.org

I am particularly enjoying Lalla's poems. They are short yet potent and very moving. So, I've copied a few over here for your enjoyment. Please do read on:

I was Nothing

When my mind was cleansed of impurities,
like a mirror of its dust and dirt,
I recognized the Self in me:
When I saw Him dwelling in me,
I realized that He was the Everything
and I was nothing.  

By: Lalla

From:  Parimoo, B. N. The ascent of self: a re-interpretation of the mystical poetry of Lalla-Ded / translation and commentary, B. N. Parimoo; foreword, K. L. Shrimali. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1987

I was passionate

I was passionate,
filled with longing,
I searched
far and wide.

But the day
that the Truthful One
found me,
I was at home.

By: Lalla

From: Women in Praise of the Sacred

Translated byJane Hirshfield

I will weep

I will weep and weep for you, O Mind;
(my Soul) The world hath caught you in its spell.
Though you cling to them with the anchor of steel,
Not even the shadow of the things you love
Will go with you when you are dead.
Why then have you forgot your own true Self ?

By: Lalla

From: Lalla vakhs