I am a candle: the mark of grief shows in me,
and the burning of my heart shows in my brimming eyes.
It is not from mourning that my burning shows;
lately weeping and laughter can no longer be told apart in me.
Explanation: The candle is a classic Persian image for the lover who slowly consumes himself; its melting wax stands for tears and its flame for inner burning.
Original · Persian
شمارهٔ ۶
شمعم که زمن هست اثر غم پیدا
شد سوز دلم زچشم پر نم پیدا
زآن نیست مرا سوز زماتم پیدا
کم گریه و خنده نیست از هم پیدا