Coffee.. coffee, Oh Turkish Coffee! - Oldest Poem

The following poem is a gem of find. I came across it when I was researching my book, and chose a phrase form it to decorate the Turkish coffee cup and saucer that come with my book. In honour of the Coffee Saint, I would like to post it here. I believe it is the oldest poem in praise of coffee by 16th Century Sheikh Ansari Djezeri Hanball Abd-al-Kadir, known as the Saint of Coffee. You didn't know that there was one, did you? I hope you will enjoy it.

"Oh coffee, you dispel the worries of the great,
you point the way to those who have wandered from
the path of knowledge. Coffee is the drink of the
friends of God, and of His servants who seek wisdom.

As coffee steeps in the cup is gives off a musky
aroma and turns the colour of ink. No one can under
stand the truth until he drinks of its frothy goodness.
Those who condemn coffee as causing man harm are
fools in the eyes of God.

Coffee is the common man's gold, and like gold it
brings to every man the feeling of luxury and nobility.
Coffee differs from pure, gentle milk only in its taste
and colour. Take time in your preparation of coffee and
God will be with you and bless you and your table.
Where coffee is served there is grace and splendour and
friendship and happiness.

All cares vanish as the coffee cup is raised to the
lips. Coffee flows through your body as freely as your
life's blood, refreshing all that it touches: look you at
the youth and vigor of those who drink it.

Whoever tastes coffee will forever forswear the liquor
of the grape. Oh drink of God's glory, your purity
brings man only well being and nobility.

Sheikh Ansari Djezeri Hanball Abd-al-Kadir , Sufi Mystic, 1587

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Coffee.. coffee, Oh Turkish Coffee! - Oldest Poem

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