Conference of the Birds

I'm taking many of the birds classes this month, while reading Attar's glorious poem, as translated by Davis

Dear hoopoe, welcome! You will be our guide;

It was on you King Solomon relied

To carry secret messages between

His court and distant Sheba’s lovely queen.

He knew your language and you knew his heart –

As his close confidant you learnt the art

Of holding demons captive underground,

And for these valiant exploits you were crowned.

And welcome, parrot, perched in paradise!

Your splendid plumage bears a strange device,

A necklace of bright fire about the throat;

Though heaven’s bliss is promised by your coat,

This circle stands for hell; if you can flee

Like Abraham from Nimrod’s enmity,

Despise these flames – uninjured you will tread

Through fire if first you cut off Nimrod’s head,

And when the fear of him has died put on

Your gorgeous coat; your collar’s strength has gone!