Ghazal 119

I don't need

a companion who is

nasty sad and sour

the one who is

like a grave

dark depressing and bitter

a sweetheart is a mirror

a friend a delicious cake

it isn't worth spending

an hour with anyone else

a companion who is

in love only with the self

has five distinct characters

stone hearted

unsure of every step

lazy and disinterested

keeping a poisonous face

the more this companion waits around

the more bitter everything will get

just like a vinegar

getting more sour with time

enough is said about

sour and bitter faces

a heart filled with desire for

sweetness and tender souls

must not waste itself with unsavory matters

Translated by Nader Khalili
Rumi, Fountain of Fire Cal-Earth, September 1994

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