I shall not try to flee the sword of Death
I shall not try to flee the sword of Death, Nor fearing it a watchful vigil keep, It will be nothing but a sigh, a breath, A turning on the other side to sleep. Through all the close entanglements of earth My spirit shaking off its bonds shall fare And pass, and rise in new unfettered birth, Escaping from this labyrinth of care. Within the mortal caravan-serai No rest and no abiding place I know, I linger here for but a fleeting day, And at the morrow's summoning I go. What are these bonds that try to shackle me? Through all their intricate chains my way I find, I travel like a wandering melody That floats untamed, untaken, on the wind. From an unsympathetic world I flee To you, your love and fellowship I crave, O Singers dead, Sauda and Mushafi, I lay my song as tribute on your grave. Amir Minai (1828-1900)