The Parliament of Birds

Shebli would disappear at times; no one
In all Baghdad could guess where he had gone --
At last they found him where the town enjoys
The sexual services of men and boys,
Sitting among the catamites; his eye
Was moist and humid, and his lips bone-dry.
One asked: 'What brings you here, to such a place?
Is this where pilgrims come to look for grace?'
He answered: 'In the world's way these you see
Aren't men or women; so it is with me --
For in the way of Faith I'm neither man
Nor woman, but ambiguous courtesan --
Unmanliness reproaches me, then blame
For my virility fills me with shame.'
The man of understanding puts aside,
To travel on this path, all outward pride
(The courage of his choice will honour those
Who taught this pilgrim everything he knows).
If you seem more substantial than a hair,
You've made an idol of yourself -- take care,
Whatever praise or blame may say of you,
You're an idolater in all you do.
As truth's sworn slave, beware of Azar's ways
Who carved the stone to which he offered praise --
Devotion is the crown of all mankind;
Leave Uzza* and such idols far behind.
You seem a sufi to the common folk
But hide a hundred idols with your cloak --
If you're a eunuch underneath, don't dress
In clothes of high heroic manliness!