Here's a poem from Hafiz (c. 1320-1389)
-- most beloved poet of Persia - from translation
by Daniel Ladinsky - I Heard God Laughing

It is my understanding that Hafiz spoke or sang his
poems spontaneously, and his companions wrote
the verses down later. ...May these poems inspire us
to give the great gift of kindness--to ourselves and
to others.

Cast All Your Votes For Dancing

I know the voice of depression
Still calls to you.

I know those habits that can ruin your life
Still send their invitations.

But you are with the Friend now
And look so much stronger.

You can stay that way
And even bloom!

Keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From your prayers and work and music
And from your companions’ beautiful laughter.

Keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From the sacred hands and glance of your Beloved
And, my dear,
From the most insignificant movements
Of your own holy body.

Learn to recognize the counterfeit coins
That may buy you just a moment of pleasure,
But then drag you for days
Like a broken man
Behind a farting camel.


I took this photograph in 1971, Shutesbury, Massachusetts