I chose the fire of hell for you,

For paradise could never contain this yearning.

Words falter, too small, too frail,

And so I seek the music of longing to praise you.

A cry escapes, raw, untamed,

My heart splintering beneath the weight of thee.

For you, I would embrace eternity in flame,

My love alone cooling the infernal blaze.

Do not come to pull me out, O my Shaykh,

I cannot bear the radiance of your sight.

I am a shadow upon your light,

A shame upon myself, unworthy of your grace.

No deeds to my name, no prayers to ascend,

Only this love—this unrelenting fire.

My fate, a page already scorched,

I am indifferent to its edges curling.

Let me burn, consumed in this devotion,

Until ash becomes prayer,

And flame turns into light.