Not With Wings -- Hafiz
Here soar Not with wings,
But with your moving hands and feet And sweating brows -
Standing by your Beloved's side Reaching out to comfort this world
With your cup of solace Drawn from your vast reservoir of Truth.
Here soar Not with your eyes and senses
That turn their backs On the earth's sweet stumbling dance Which needs you.
Here love, O here love, With your mouth tender and open upon your lover,
And with your heart on duty To the souls of rivers, children, forest animals, All the shy feathered ones and laughing, jumping, Shining fish.
O here, pilgrim, Love On this holy battleground of life
Where there are bleeding men Who are calling for a sacred drink, A gentle word or touch from man or God.
Hafiz, why just serve and play with angels? They are already content.
Brew your knowledge well for men With aching minds and guts,
And for those wayfarers who have gained The rare courageous thirsts That can never be relinquished Until Union!
Hafiz, Leave your recipes in golden drums.
Tie those barrels to the backs of camels Who will keep circumambulating the worlds,
Giving nourishment To all our tender wondrous spheres.
O here love, O love right here. Find your happiness, dear wayfarer,
With your beautiful lips and body So sweetly opened,
Yielding their vital gifts upon This magnificent Earth.
("The Subject Tonight is Love" - versions of Hafiz by Daniel Ladinsky)
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