Meet in Joy and Part in Cry

Jaihoon’s poem explores the pain of separation and impermanence of life, using historical and religious references.

“What I like not is parting
From the loved ones,
But what to do?
Nothing in this world is forever.”

Hey friend! You have indeed
Spoken words wise.
They testify to the splendor
Of your Him-fearing eyes.

The pain of separation,
To bear is hard.
Even the best of joys,
Keep us in a state sad.

Imagine the pain
Of the Lord’s Beloved,
When Lady al-Kubra
Suddenly parted.

Of the shade-like as-Siddiq,
Where else but with al-Mustafa
Could he company seek?

Of the old and blind Yaqub,
Yousuf’s separation forced
His sight to tears succumb.

Of Musa’s frightened mother
As she floated her child
In a basket across the river.

Of the love-filled sage of Rum,
The setting of ‘Shams’
Filled his life with gloom.

Now imagine the pain
Of this Jaihoon!
Where would he, for hope run?
How will he, world’s evil shun?

Therefore, pay real heed
To what the Prophet did say:
“From the painful state
You may far stay.

Endear whomever
You wish to love,
But a day will come
When you shall leave!”

Thus,
All those who in joy meet
Shall in cry separate!

Hey friend,
I leave you with a clear message:
You may remember at a later stage.

Do pray for your silly comrade
When in Qabr he will reside!”

March 10, 2003. Edit March 2024