At the margins of the roads, three kinds of grass, bending with rain or with grain. Beauty bursts at the margins.

At the margins of memory, two kinds of loss, forgetting with relief or with grief. Space unfolds at the margins.

At the margins of lovemaking, one kind of touch, absorbing with both lips and finger tips. Life explodes at the margins.

At the margins of your presence, what kind of words are worth writing, With these hands or with this pen? Desire flames at the margins.

[I - Kavir (Desert)]

Who came from beyond the sand dunes Of time? The wind, brother, only the desert-wind.

Who stabbed the night sky with so many knives Of stars? The wind, brother, only the desert-wind.

Who hid herself behind the shimmering cloaks Of mirages? The wind, brother, only the desert-wind.

Who will lead my stranded sighs to the oases Of the Beloved? The wind, brother, perhaps the desert-wind.

[II - Baroun (Rain)]

The pilgrim-grass bends its head to the ground In prayer The tree branch jangles its leafy bangles
In dance I salve myself with the Beloved’s love flaming In this rain.

[III - Sharang (Poison)]

Someone tell me why is that dervish dancing? Brother, he will meet his Friend tonight.

Someone tell me why are the markets full? Brother, the month of fasting ends tonight.

Someone tell me why is music playing in this lane? Brother, there is a wedding at a house here tonight.

Someone tell me why did my feet bring me here? Brother, to gift your broken heart to the Bride tonight.

(for Ai)

A river of ripples open and shut sudden glimpses of secrets.

The touch of a wave the end of thirt A door opening into completion.

Note: Sari is the classic sub continental dress worn by women. It also means 'complete'.