“I remember, one sleepless night I heard the moth say to the candle

‘I am in love, so I deserve to burn. Why weep and shed these tears?’

Said the candle, ‘O my poor one, I have lost my sweet beloved.’

Tears dropped perfidiously down his face as he said this.

O false one, loving is not for you, who possesses neither patience nor forbearance;

While you flee a feeble flame, I have stood straight in the fire.

While the fire of love singes your wings, I burn from head to toe.”

– Dr. Youness Afroukhteh, Memories of Nine Year in ‘Akkà