Don't Die Again
I am a man
Who knows ten thousand positions of
Divine love.
I can tell by the light in your eyes
That you are still most familiar
With the few earthly ones,
But would not a good father
Instruct all his heirs
Toward that path that will someday
Deeply satisfy?
This world is a treacherous place
And will surely slay and drown the lazy.
The only life raft here is love
And the Name.
Say it brother,
O, say the divine Name, dear sister,
Silently as you walk.
Don’t die again
With that holy ruby mine inside
Still unclaimed
When you could be swinging
A golden pick with
Each
Step.
- Hafiz, beautifully translated by Daniel Ladinsky in his book, 'The Gift.'
Who knows ten thousand positions of
Divine love.
I can tell by the light in your eyes
That you are still most familiar
With the few earthly ones,
But would not a good father
Instruct all his heirs
Toward that path that will someday
Deeply satisfy?
This world is a treacherous place
And will surely slay and drown the lazy.
The only life raft here is love
And the Name.
Say it brother,
O, say the divine Name, dear sister,
Silently as you walk.
Don’t die again
With that holy ruby mine inside
Still unclaimed
When you could be swinging
A golden pick with
Each
Step.
- Hafiz, beautifully translated by Daniel Ladinsky in his book, 'The Gift.'