Follow the Love

This is a poem by Hafiz of Shiraz, an Islamic mystic from the 14th century, translated by Daniel Ladinsky. (I found it on the website of Gina Cenciose, a teacher of empathy and mindfulness practices based on NVC.)

I know the way you can get

by Hafiz

I know the way you can get,
When you have not had a drink of Love
Your face hardens,
Your sweet muscles cramp,
Children become concerned
About a strange look that appears in your eyes
Which even begins to worry your own mirror
And nose.

Squirrels and birds sense your sadness
And call an important conference in a tall tree,
They decide which secret code to chant
To help your mind and soul.
Even angels fear that brand of madness
that arrays itself against the world
and throws sharp stones and spears into
The innocent,
And into one’s self.

Oh I know the way you can get
If you have not been drinking Love:
You might rip apart
Every sentence your friends and teachers say,
Looking for hidden clauses.
You might weigh every word on a scale like a dead fish.
You might pull out a ruler to measure from every angle in your darkness
The beautiful dimensions of a heart you once Trusted.

I know the way you can get
If you have not had a drink from Love’s Hands.

That is why all of the Great Ones speak of the vital need
To keep remembering God,
So you will come to know and see Him
As being Playful,
and Wanting,
Just Wanting to help.

That is why Hafiz says:
Bring your cup near me, For I am a Sweet Old Vagabond
With an Infinite Leaking Barrel Of Light and Laughter and Truth
That the Beloved has tied to my back
Dear One,
Indeed, please bring your heart near to me,
For all I care about
Is quenching your thirst for freedom!
All a Sane man can ever care about
Is giving Love!