If anyone asks you
how the perfect satisfaction
of all our sexual wanting
will look,
lift your face
and say,
Like this.
When someone mentions
the gracefulness of the night sky,
climb up on the roof
and dance and say,
Like this.
If anyone wants to know what
spirit is, or what
God’s fragrance means,
lean your head toward him or her.
Keep your face there close.
Like this.
When someone quotes the old poetic image
about clouds gradually uncovering the moon,
slowly loosen knot by knot the strings
of your robe.
Like this.
If anyone wonders
how Jesus raised the dead,
don’t try to explain the miracle.
Kiss me on the lips.
Like this. Like this.
When someone asks
what it means to
die for love, point here.
If someone asks
how tall I am,
frown and measure with your fingers
the space between the creases
on your forehead.
This tall.
The soul sometimes leaves the body,
then returns.
When someone doesn’t believe that,
walk back into my house.
Like this.
When lovers moan,
they’re telling our story.
Like this.
I am a sky where spirits live.
Stare into this deepening blue,
while the breeze says a secret.
Like this.
When someone asks
what there is to do,
light the candle in his hand.
A little wind cleans the eyes.
Like this.
When Shams comes back from Tabriz,
he’ll put just his head around the edge
of the door to surprise us
Like this.