Sufi mystics speak of levels of experience as one journeys toward the goal. Here Abdul Karim al Qushayri gives a glimpse of the states of ‘unveiling’ and ‘witnessing.’

Through your radiant countenance
     my night shines brightly
while among the rest of humankind
     darkness makes its way.

The people are shrouded
     in darkness
while we remain
     in the light of day.

* * *

When morning appears
     its light extinguishes
the light of the lights
     of the stars.

It gives people a swallow
     from a cup
that were they suffering from a blazing fire
     one gulp would put it out immediately.

Translation Michael A. Sells