The Slumbering Wife

Awake, dear friend,

Awake – sleep no more;

The night has faded away,

Why in sleep waste also the day?

Awake, dear friend, sleep no more.

Those who have awakened

Have found the rare ruby;

O foolish woman, while you slept

You even lost what you had.

The night has faded away,

Why in sleep waste also the day?

Your husband is wise and alert;

You are foolish, O witless wife-

You never prepared the bed

For your husband to rest.

The night has faded away,

Why in sleep waste also the day?

O crazy woman,

A blunder you’ve made;

During the vivacious days

Of your youth

Not once did you try

To recognize your husband,

To make Him your own.

The night has faded away,

why in sleep waste also the day?

Wake up, become aware-

See your bed is empty,

The Beloved is not there;

He left you while you were

On the embrace of sleep.

The night has now faded away,

Why in sleep waste also the day?

Says Kabir: Only that wife awakes

Whose heart is pierced

By the arrow of Shabd.