Ghazal 10

This reckless old man still feels giddy for youth, but it is foolish for the old to wrestle with the young. Strange: I who lack the strength to snap even a single hair have fallen for someone who could break through iron chains. When that silver-bodied, cypress-tall figure lifts the bow into his arms, I wish I could be the target for his arrow. The prey walks straight into the snare on its own feet, if once it glimpses that hand and that bow. No one has ever seen a human sweeter in speech than you. Did you drink sugar from your mother's breast, or milk? The market of youth stays open no more than a few short days. Take the cash in hand, my boy; delay brings only ruin. You told me to shut my eyes to those idol-faced beauties. Whatever you name, I can manage a cure, except for fate. For a long time my piety was on show while my heresy stayed hidden; now I have torn the veil from all that pretense. Sadi, even if you lay your head at your beloved's feet in service, you will still have to beg pardon for falling short.