Baqi Kirmani

Baqi Kirmani, a Persian poet of vigor, a descendant of Shah Ni’mat Allah Wali, and a companion of the Safavid Shah Isma’il. Baqi, whose name was Mir ‘Abd al-Baqi, lost his life in the late 16the century at the Battle of Chaldiran fought between the Safavid Shah Isma’il and the Ottoman Sultan Salim. Eulogized by Mulla Umidi Tihrani, Baqi was appointed chancellor of the Sarfaraz provice under Sahibqiran. His poetry includes the following couplets:

‘One may not openly talk to thee about one’s sorrow, and thou art

but a child, unable to perceive delicacies

O Saki! Call me not to the tavern today

Since my cup is brimming over with the blood of my liver [i.e. agony] today

The alley of blame has turned into our dwelling place

We may not find our way to the land of security

We are Sufis leading the life of seclusion

This is our life to the day of resurrection.

Lughatnama-yi Dihkhuda (3, 4233).