The Dagger

By Mirabai

(1498 - 1565?)

English version by Robert Bly

The Dark One threw me a glance like a dagger today.

Since that moment, I am insane; I can't find my body.

The pain has gone through my arms and legs, and I can't find my mind.

At least three of my friends are completely mad.

I know the thrower of daggers well; he enjoys roving the woods.

The partridge loves the moon; and the lamplight pulls in the moth.

You know, for the fish, water is precious; without it, the fish dies.

If he is gone, how shall I live? I can't live without him.

Go and speak to the dagger-thrower: Say, Mira belongs to you.

No tongue can tell Your secret

By Hakim Sanai

(1044? - 1150?)

English version by Priya Hemenway

No tongue can tell Your secret

for the measure of the word obscures Your nature.

But the gift of the ear

is that it hears

what the tongue cannot tell.

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