Poetry

Poetry is a fine wine.  The words bring fervor to the heart, allowing it to open just a crack.  Then, with a little luck, light fills the cracked heart and illuminates the soul.  When the poetry is really good, it sets the soul on fire!!

Some of the most beloved poets flourish in the Sufi tradition.  In Persia, I am told, it is part of the daily life to quote the major poets in daily conversation.  Last autumn, when the changes of the season brought studious yet lively intent into focus, I developed a little project in which I chose one poem and one photograph every day for at least twenty one days.  The purpose was to make love a habit, to integrate a bigger cosmic love into my artistic practices, to be consumed with the poetry of life, as a foundation.  I share it with you here:

Songs of the Beloved 

And one of my favorites, I will print inline. :)

THE EARTH BRACES ITSELF

The earth braces itself for the feet

Of a lover of God about to

Dance.

The sky becomes very timid

When a great saint starts waving his arms

In joy.

For the sky knows its prized fixtures,

The sun, moon, and planets

Could all wind up

Rolling so wild on the floor!

My dear, this world, its laws,

Our perceptions,

Are such a minute part of existence.

Should not all of our suffering and sadness

Be like this:

As just dropped from an infant's palm

That is asleep against the breast

Of God?

The earth braces itself for the feet of Hafiz.

The sky pulls a mirror from its pocket

And is practicing looking

Coy,

For the Beloved has at last

Opened His arms

And is inviting my heart to eternally

Dance!

~Hafiz~