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.
