Before my soul’s serene visage

Before my soul’s serene visage
The dust of earth a veil has spread.
Oh! just once let me lift it up
And glimpse the glory overhead!

Whence I have come, or how, or why,
Has never been made clear to me,
I am ashamed so ignorant
Of my own life’s affairs to be.

I’d gladly wander pilgrim-wise
Across the space of earth outspread,
With nightingales strive wing by wing
O’er gardens where the rose is red.

Shall I who dreamed a life whose stage
The austere forms of angels throng,
Believe this low abode of hate
Can be the home where I belong?

Look not upon the gold-wrought band
That richly hems this robe of mine,
Far royaller within my heart
I’ve taught the torch of love to shine.

Take back again thy singer’s life--
Or good or bad, or true or sham--
Since I gave over all to thee
Who has heard Hafiz say: “I am!”