The lover’s unusual visit on a cold night, forgoing sleep and rest, leaves the beloved in doubt about his intentions.

Last night
I woke in haste:
Thirsty to taste
The Love-toast

As soon as I nighed
My Lover enquired:

‘What do you conspire
In these odd hours?
Have never heard before
Such love-prayers?

From your early ways
Is known your habit:
Selfish: your purpose
Selfish: your visit

You made no noise:
Silent steps and moves
Not any sound of door creak
Nor any tap of water drops

Heard is just your breath
And the melody of heartbeat

Why this unusual love
Why this unusual nigh?

You have lifted
Your rock-blanket
You have disliked
Your dearest doze

All for Me?
All for My Love?
Or is it for you
To utter cry and hue’

Replied I,

“I have ran unto you
In secret and silence;
In this merciless cold
When sleep is most fond

Only to plead:
Your forgiving smile
Only to place:
Your Love-pearl in my shell


Feb 14 2023. Rajab 23, 1444