Poems that I love

by Hafiz We have not come here to take prisoners, But to surrender ever more deeply To freedom and joy. We have not come into this exquisite world To hold ourselves hostage from love. Run my dear, From anything That may not strengthen Your precious budding wings. Run like hell my dear, From anyone likely To put a sharp knife Into the sacred, tender vision Of your beautiful heart. We have a duty to befriend Those aspects of obedience That stand outside of our house And shout to our reason "O please, O please, Come out and play." For we have not come here to take prisoners Or to confine our wondrous spirits, But to experience ever and ever more deeply Our divine courage, freedom and Light! from "The Gift ~ versions of Hafiz" by Daniel Ladinsky For more poems by Hafiz and Rumi..

by Jelalludin Rumi This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond. Coleman Barks trans. For more poems by Hafiz and Rumi..

by Hafiz For more poems by Hafiz and Rumi.. This is not a courtroom anymore! The time of judging who's drunk or sober, who's right or wrong, who's closer to God or farther away, all that's over. This caravan is led instead by a great Delight, the simple joy that sits with us now, that is the grace. Hafiz, it may be that you've just poured a toast that will wash love clean of all it's pictures.

by Jelalludin Rumi Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshipper, lover of leaving. It doesn't matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. Come, even if you've broken your vow a thousand times. Come, yet again, come. Coleman Barks trans. For more poems by Hafiz and Rumi..

by Rumi Lightning falling on the helpless, a surge of pearl out of the rock covering the rock, this life torn into a hundred pieces, and one of those pieces a ticket to let me back into my life. A spirit world divided into eight sections, one a scroll. Eight scrolls in the parchment of your face. What kind of bird am I becoming, kneeling like a camel, pecking at the fire like an ostrich? You and I have worked in the same shop for years. Our loves are great fellow workers. Friends cluster there, and every moment we notice a new light coming out in the sky. Invisible, yet taking form, like Christ coming through Mary. In the cradle, God. Shams, why this inconsistency that we live with love, and yet we run away? Coleman Barks trans. For more poems by Hafiz and Rumi..

by Jellaludin Rumi I've broken through to longing Now, filled with a grief I have Felt before, but never like this. The center leads to love. Soul opens the creation core. Hold on to your particular pain. That too can take you to God. Coleman Barks trans. For more poems by Hafiz and Rumi..

by Hafiz for Morgan I know the voice of depression Still calls to you. I know those habits that can ruin your life Still send their invitations. But you are with the Friend now And look so much stronger. You can stay that way And even bloom! Keep squeezing drops of the Sun From your prayers and work and music And from your companions' beautiful laughter. Keep squeezing drops of the Sun From the sacred hands and glance of your Beloved And, my dear, From the most insignificant movements Of your own holy body. Learn to recognize the counterfeit coins That may buy you just a moment of pleasure, But then drag you for days Like a broken man Behind a farting camel. You are with the Friend now. Learn what actions of yours delight Him, What actions of yours bring freedom And Love. Whenever you say God's name, dear pilgrim, My ears wish my head was missing So they could finally kiss each other And applaud all your nourishing wisdom!