Alone, A Dervish Poem by Mystic Qalandar

Alone,
a man of devotion
sets out on a journey—
passing through silent paths,
stepping into the desolation of sand.
The scorching noons of the desert,
the icy winds of night,
accompany him.

He hears hymns of praise
in every grain of sand,
in every gust of burning wind,
in every trace of desert life.

Freed from thoughts
of bread, cloth, and shelter,
his heart too listens—
to a melody rising
from the inner chamber,
born of silence.

Instruments and lutes
play without a pluck,
on their own—
pure,
divine harmony—
the call of Hu.

In the deep silence of annihilation,
he feels himself fading away.
Then—
the breeze of divine love blows.
Upon the mirror of the heart,
moonlight descends.
The nightingale and the morning breeze
hum softly
in the silk-like hush of dawn,
and their melodies
refresh the soul.

The mysteries of eternity
are revealed
when Absolute Unity
lifts its veils.

A dervish
trades in poverty—
transcending the world.
In the marketplace of Alast,
where love is sold,
he fearlessly
says,
'Yes.'