Swollen Buds

This Diwan (poetry collection) is an expression of subtle landscapes that bloom within the heart of a spiritual aspirant. Such a blend of ecstasy and inner longing could only be realized through the guidance of a true and distinguished master of the Sufi path-Sidi Mohammed Faouzi Al-Karkari (qs). He is indeed the Red Sulphur sought by the lead-laden traveler. His pure and noble presence awakens the Light within, causing the buds to swell.

Poetry has been described as the art of using the best words in the best order. It is no wonder it has been the quintessential vehicle employed by mystics worldwide in their attempts to articulate the ineffable. Yet, by its nature, this endeavor falls short of its aim-a beautiful failure! This failure is a blessing, as it ensures the artist continues to draw inspiration from an inexhaustible source. If the Divine Presence could be fully expressed or summarized, every poet would abandon their pen, every artist their brush, and every musician their instrument.

It is essential to begin to apprehend the nature of our being, or more accurately, our non-existence. In truth, only the Divine Presence possesses true Reality and existence, while all else is but a wave in an evaporating sea of dreams, more insubstantial than the foam of that wave. In the end, all we can do as created beings is bear witness to that primordial splendor-rejoicing and paying homage to the originator of that Light.