find yourself a friend
who is willing to
tolerate you with patience
put to the test the essence
of the best incense
by putting it in fire
drink a cup of poison
if handed to you by a friend
when filled with love and grace
step into the fire
like the chosen prophet
the secret love will change
hot flames to a garden
covered with blossoms
roses and hyacinths and willow
spinning and throwing you
a true friend can hold you
like God and His universe
— Ghazal 994
Translation by Nader Khalili
Rumi, Fountain of Fire
Cal-Earth Press, 1994
Ismailimail 