Original title: Rashh-i `Ama

Translated by Juan Cole

 

 

He is God.

Our passion caused the
       cloud beyond all being to begin to sprinkle down;

Our melody has led the mystery
       of all fidelity to gain renown.

The east wind spread abroad China's perfume;
       our tresses have diffused the fragrant gale.

The countenance of truth caused the shining
       sun of ornamentation to unveil;

Behold, from our direction the head of
       reality becomes now manifest!

The wave of the divine encounter made
       the sea of purity cry out with zest;

Munificence then winked with coquetry
       because our heart's rapture is so sincere.

Wine's joy was poured at the glance of the rose;
       our melody made this sweet hint appear.

The silver trump! Divine desire! - One blast
       in the midst of the sky caused both to be.

Our face began the age of "I am He;"
       our breath started the cycle, "He is He."

The chalice of the heart made manifest
       the fountain of divine reality;

The ruby jewel of Baha begat
       an overflowing goblet of honey.

The Day of God gained its fulfillment when
       the countenance of the Lord was revealed.

The melody reverberating in
       Tehran has the new Beauty as its yield.

Gaze on the overflow of resplendence
       and see the sprinkling of the unknown Cloud;

For all these things derive from one tune of
       the melody of God when sung aloud.

Look at an everlasting moon, then turn
       your eyes upon exalted and high-flown

Vistas; examine the rebellious breast
       that was anointed by the most high throne.

Now view the blessed palm tree and look on
       the gentle warbling of the dove; then see

The most sublime recital that issued
       from the bright radiance of purity.

Give ear to the Hijazi tambourine;
       let the Iraqi melody cascade.

And listen to the celestial rhythm
       that was by the force of our passion made.

Behold the visage of divinity,
       set your gaze on the heavenly houri.

Then look at how the human is unveiled
       by the cloud beyond being's mystery.

Gaze at the wine server's red cheek,
       look on the everlasting countenance;

See the translucent liquid that was poured
       out from our cup with such exuberance.

Observe the conflagration of Moses,
       look at the white-hot shining of the sun;

And see the glowing breast on Sinai - all
       came forth from what the sublime palm has done.

Look at the condition of the lovers,
       hear the intoxicated make laments;

See the infatuation of beings
       when they enter in the court of presence.

Look at the rosebuds and see the ringlets
       of hair that fall in the shape of a B;

Listen to the melodies of the flute
       that from the pen of Baha came to be.

This is the sprinkling down of purity,
       this is the brimming manifestation;

This is the singing of the birds, which flowed
       from the spring of self-annihilation.

Notes

Further translations of this poem can be found at the following sites:

Stephen Lambden: Translations of four texts of an early poem of Baha'u'llah Rashh-i `Ama.

Ramin Neshati: Tablet of the Mist of the Unknown.