Secrets Between The Lips

Then to the lip of this poor earthen Urn 
I lean'd, the Secret of my Life to learn: 
And Lip to Lip it murmur'd--"While you live 
Drink!--for, once dead, you never shall return."

I think the Vessel, that with fugitive 
Articulation answer'd, once did live, 
And drink; and Ah! the passive Lip I kiss'd, 
How many Kisses might it take--and give!

For I remember stopping by the way 
To watch a Potter thumping his wet Clay: 
And with its all-obliterated Tongue 
It murmur'd--"Gently, Brother, gently, pray!" 


And has not such a Story from of Old 
Down Man's successive generations roll'd 
Of such a clod of saturated Earth 
Cast by the Maker into Human mould?

And not a drop that from our Cups we throw 
For Earth to drink of, but may steal below 
To quench the fire of Anguish in some Eye 
There hidden--far beneath, and long ago.

As then the Tulip for her morning sup 
Of Heav'nly Vintage from the soil looks up, 
Do you devoutly do the like, till Heav'n 
To Earth invert you--like an empty Cup. 




- Rubaiyat Of Omar Khayyam


Image Courtesy: KellsCraft