Who is at my door?

You said, "Who is at my door?"
I said, "Your slave."
You said, "What business do you have?"
I said, "To behold Your Countenance, and bow, O Lord."

You said, "How long will you journey on?"
I said, "Until you call."
You said, "How long will you boil in the fire?"
I said, "Until I am pure."

We talked through the door.

I claimed a great love.
I said, "This is my oath of love.
For the sake of love
I gave up wealth and position."

You said, "Such claims require a witness."
I said, "This longing , these tears;"
You said, "discredited witnesses!
your eyes are too wet to see."
I said, "By the splendor of Your Justice
my eyes are clear and faultless."

You said, "What do you seek?"
I said, "Friendship"
You said, "What do you want from me?"
I said, "Your abundant Grace."

You said, "Who was your companion on the Journey?
I said, "The remembrance of you, O Majestic King."
You said, "What called you here?"
I said, "The musk of Your wine was in the air."

You said, "What brings you the most fulfillment?"
I said, "The company of the Emperor."
You said, "What do you find there?"
I said, "A hundred miracles."

You said, "Why is the palace deserted?"
I said, "They all fear the thief."
You said, "Who is the thief?"
I said, "The one who keeps me from -You."

You said, "Where is there safety?"
I said, "In service and renunciation."
You said, "What is there to renounce?"
I said, "The hope of salvation."

You said, "Is there no threat of disaster?"
I said, "Only what comes in your street, inside your love."
You said, "How do you walk there?"
I said, "In holy perfection."

Now silence.
If I told more of this conversation,
those who listening, would leave themselves.
You would fly from your self and be gone,
and neither door nor roof could hold you back!

RUMI