From Sin: Selected Poems of Forugh Farrokhzad [1] (University of Arkansas Press, 2007), translated by Sholeh Wolpe, who's currently on a book tour [see schedule [2]].

I have sinned a rapturous sin

in a warm enflamed embrace,

sinned in a pair of vindictive arms,

arms violent and ablaze.

In that quiet vacant dark

I looked into his mystic eyes,

found such longing that my heart

fluttered impatient in my breast.

In that quiet vacant dark

I sat beside him punch-drunk,

his lips released desire on mine,

grief unclenched my crazy heart.

I poured in his ears lyrics of love:

O my life, my lover It’s you I want.

Life-giving arms, it’s you I crave.

Crazed lover, for you I thirst.

Lust enflamed his eyes,

red wine trembled in the cup,

my body, naked and drunk,

quivered softly on his breast.

I have sinned a rapturous sin

beside a body quivering and spent.

I do not know what I did O God,

in that quiet vacant dark.