Saleh Badrah

Each wrinkle in his ancient face
Bespeaks a monumental deed.
Serenely there with pride he sits,
No longer longing to succeed:
...

It's fruitless in this bleakness to seek zest
Or cheerfulness to brighten up your gloom:
For what bird here will ever build its nest?
What fragrant rose in here will ever bloom?
...

My soul stood up today and said:
Your heart is full of sorrow.

I know, I said,
...

Nan-in, the sage, one day received
A guest who'd come in search of wisdom.
...

Sweet-scented Jasmine,
Refresh me with your fragrance,
Show me how to breathe.
...

A bright pink blossom
In a dark muddy puddle:
Eye-catching beauty!
...

For things of beauty
constantly am I searching,
...

...

You're mine and I'm yours,
Said my Dad on his deathbed,
Looking at my Mom.
_____________________
...

If you wish to reach
The realm of eternal bliss,
Purify your heart.
...

I belong nowhere.
I am happy where I am,
Here within myself.
...

Not all your wishes
Will come true, so be not sad
And keep on wishing!
...

Winter has arrived,
The flowers are departing,
Spring will soon return.
...

Looking at these birds,
Flying freely by the sea,
Sets my spirit free.
...

Two slimy rats
Crept into my room
And started nibbling
Sniffingly at my stuff.
...

Little bulbul at my window,
To what purpose are you singing?
Can't you hear the noise and clamour?
Can't you sense the disaccord?
...

The mind is like a running brook
With mud and precious gems replete:

To spot the gems, stir not the mud;
...

Should you, my soul, who sailed to distant shores
And traced the founts of sweet serenity,
Be vexed and irked by those insidious frauds
Whose souls are fraught with spite and enmity?
...

(A Haiku)

The Lilliputians
are being themselves again,
...

Fast-running Time is running fast,
Transforming present into past.

Discard your schemes; no longer gleams
...