Childhood Friends (2)

Starry Night over the Rhône, by Vincent Van Gogh

Then Joseph began questioning his friend,

What have you brought me? You know a traveler

should not arrive empty-handed at the door

of a friend like me. That is like going

to the grinding stone without your wheat.

God will ask at the resurrection, Did you bring me

a present? Did you think you wouldn't see me?

Joseph keeps teasing, Let's have it.

I want my gift.

The guest began, You cannot imagine

how I have looked for something for you.

Nothing seemed appropriate. You don't take gold

down into a goldmine, or a drop of water

to the Sea of Oman. Everything I thought of

was like bringing cumin seed to Kirmanshah

where cumin comes from. You have all seeds

in your barn. You even have my love

and my soul, so I cannot bring those.

I have brought you a mirror.

Look at yourself and remember me.