Ancient Gifts

(Painting of Hafiz by Mahmud Farshchian)

I first learned about the poetry of Hafiz two years ago, and have been entranced by his mystical, magical way of relating to the universe ever since. For those who don't know about this bad boy of mystical poetry (as my dear friend Asha affectionately refers to him), he lived in Shiraz in the 1300s, and is one of the most celebrated Persian poets of all time. On less than prime days it has become a frequent practice of mine to simply pick up his book of poems, choose a random page number in my mind, and turn to discover what message is waiting for me. Below you will find one of my recent favorites. More to come soon ;-)

Your Mother and My Mother

Fear is the cheapest room in the house.
I would like to see you living
In better conditions,

For your mother and my mother
Were friends.

I know the Innkeeper
In this part of the universe.
Get some rest tonight,
Come to my verse again tomorrow.
We'll go speak to the Friend together.

I should not make any promises right now,
But I know if you
Pray
Somewhere in this world ~
Something good will happen.

God wants to see
More love and playfulness in your eyes
For that is your greatest witness to Him.

Your soul and my soul
Once sat together in the Beloved's womb
Playing footsie.

Your heart and my heart
Are very, very old
Friends.