Simpleton's Manifesto

A dog brushed up against a sheikh, who made
No move to draw his skirts in or evade
The filthy stray-a puzzled passer-by
Who'd noticed his behavior asked him why.
He said: "The dog is filthy, as you see,
But what is outside him is inside me-
What's clear on him is hidden in my heart;
Why should such close companions stay apart?"
If inward filth is slight or if it's great,
The outcome is the same disgusting state-
If straws impede you, or a mountain-top
Where is the difference if you have to stop?

Attar