This Untimely Drum

Tonight they beat this untimely drum more softly, or the rooster on the roof mistook the hour to wake us. Was this a single moment, or a whole night plundered from our lives? And still, lips pressed to lips, we never tasted our fill. I am fresh-faced and ashamed, joyful and heartsick at once, for I can never repay such a gift. If you set your foot on my head, you honor me with your nearness; I know no apology for this boldness but to offer my head. Since good fortune has made complete peace with me, let the ill-wishing gossip die of his own spite. Sadi has become known across the world; let Sufi and layman say what they will: yes, we worship idols, when the idols are this beautiful.