Since the beginning, God’s own whim has always inspired us:
“Who am I” has nurtured our voice from stone to singing dust.

Our thirst has grown gradually to become our best friend;
It is on the glass of desire that all our hopes now depend.

Love at first was scarcely an intermittent drop;
Now each drink promises a bottle to be our lot.

It has come to this- we don’t know who we are unless drunk;
All but your laugh, smile, kiss and touch is trash- pure bunk!

We approach your grace with our empty glass held high;
We live with the one thought that by your mercy we die.

The dawn breeze brought the scent of strong Shirazi wine;
I resolved at once to all other aperitifs decline!

Darvish can no longer be sure who or what he is;
He has no doubt the beloved is truth, beauty and bliss!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit billgannett.substack.com