Alchemy

 

Distraught, He knocks at the door of the wondrous Sufi Sage.

Eyes complain of sorrow that he withholds from the page. 

A heavy palm on his chest, the words resound clear.

As long as you have faith, there's nothing for you to fear.

Four states a slave is in, never once a fifth.

Learning how to respond to them - an incomparable gift. 

Some are Blessed, Some are Tried. 

Some -Devoted, others - Distant. 

Recognize your state to know 

What's sought of you in each instant. 

Four states and four reactions, an alchemy for bliss.

The right way to look at things, when you start to feel remiss.

If you recognize your state of blessing, hasten to gratitude.

Be patient when you're struck by trials, a fate that one can't elude.

And if you are in obedience, then witness in it His favor.

And if in sin, at once repent, here and now, not later.

The looming cloud dissipates. Skies give way to the Sun.

All the knots that once bound his heart, have now come undone. 

(Inspired by the story of Ibn Ataillah  AsSikandari and His Sheikh Abul-Abbas Al-Mursi, May God Sanctify their Souls and enable us to benefit from them)