The Vain Bird

You see I am vanity personified,

Satan watches over me night and day

Thus I'm prescribed by him without a guide.

I am torn self from self, I can't find the Way.

I'm a finger of the Devil's pride.

I cannot resist, I am the Devil tried.'

The hoopoe hears the sixth bird out

and says: 'You're meat for the dog of desire.

The Devil's fool you are, no matter how you shout

Your avowals to start again. The devil you acquires

With vain conceits that steadily eat your soul

As worms quilt the body's fodder which is your end.

Unless you realize in heart and mind that as you are

You're the Devil's coal ready to burn to ash. No friend

Is he who seems to satisfy your whims, you're far

From the Way you wish to travel or so you say;

Reject the world's blandishments that spin you astray. 

Attar