Ḥāfiẓ

Chosen by author Elizabeth Gilbert as one of her ten favorite books, Daniel Ladinsky's extraordinary renderings of 250 unforgettable lyrical poems by Hafiz, one of the greatest Sufi poets of all time More than any other Persian poet—even Rumi—Hafiz expanded the mystical, healing dimensions of poetry. Because his poems were often ecstatic love songs from God to his beloved world, many have called Hafiz the "Invisible Tongue." Indeed, Daniel Ladinsky has said that his work with Hafiz is an attempt to do the impossible: to render Light into words—to make the Luminous Resonance of God tangible to our finite senses. I am a hole in a flute that the Christ's breath moves through— listen to this music! With this stunning collection of Hafiz's most intimate poems, Ladinsky has succeeded brilliantly in presenting the essence of one of Islam's greatest poetic and religious voices. Each line of The Gift imparts the wonderful qualities of this master Sufi poet and spiritual teacher: encouragement, an audacious love that touches lives, profound knowledge, generosity, and a sweet, playful genius unparalleled in world literature.

Poems by the Great Sufi Master

The Gift

Syrina

Why just bring your donkey to me Asking for stale hay And a boring conference with the idiot In regards to this precious matter- Such a precious matter as love, When I have so many other divine animals And brilliant colored birds inside That are all longing To so sweetly Greet You!

 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

The Earth Lifts its glass to the sun And light light Is poured.

I lay my wing As a bridge to you So that you can join us Singing

The Gift quotes

Join the club