Time has never stopped;

Months, years pass.

With one passionate desire, 

One unflinching devotion, 

.

One flame in our hearts,

We go on treading the uncertain paths of Love.

We have passed many intricate stages; 

Inaccessible valleys we have crossed.

.

The path onward lies blocked with massive stones, 

But not for a moment did we break 

The pace of Love’s march;

Today a total darkness shrouds all things.

.

We are blinded even to the signs on the road.

So dark is it that glances dare not leave the eye 

And the lamp at our destination, 

Though near, is hidden. 

.

Do not misunderstand, my comrade, if my glances

Are stranded, lost in labyrinthine darkness, 

Even mountain-stream waters 

Press onward, journeying toward their destination.

.

Do not mistrust me! My heart remains true.

Do not care if bleak clouds of anxiety gather

Or if the moon is hidden from the eye;

Its light is never smothered forever by the clouds.

..

This nocturnal reflection of Time upon my face

Is also veiled with mist, the mirror of your heart.

Come. This fleeting moment is not our reward.

Our destination is beyond today.

To pass through this blinding darkness

We must light a torch with the warmth of our hearts.

To the mad wandering, frenzy of Love, my comrade,

We shall teach the architecture of Life.

                 

.

1946

.

From: Jāvidān̲ (Forever). Bambaʼī: Idārah-yi Adab va Zindagī. n.d. (c. 1955). pp. 39 – 42