Instant Classics: Saki

Saki,
bring wine
& don't stop the flow!
Our old friend has broken his vows
of repentence. He's lifted the siege of Self-denial
& Duty, & come to loiter round the
tavern with a notorious beauty!
He's vacuumed his head of hypocrisy &
pious attitudinizing, & all at once he's sprung him-
self from his monastery. He's freed his ankle from
Religion's chains-but cinched his waist with a
Fireworshipper's sash. How he drinks! And urges me,
"Have one yourself! Stay drunk as long as you can!
Stick to this path toward nothingness
& light a fire beneath all
that survives!"

-Hakim Sana'i

Translated by Hakim Bey

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