You wouldn’t know it, but I’ve been in Egypt since September. Let me empty my basket now of some lost images from 2008 before 2009 is all over.

I have been tricked by flying too close
to what I thought I loved.

Now the candleflame is out, the wine spilled,
and the lovers have withdrawn
somewhere beyond my squinting.

The amount I thought I’d won, I’ve lost.
My prayers become bitter and all about blindness.

How wonderful it was to be for a while
with those who surrender.

-RUMI