The other day I came across this poem by the 14th century Persian poet Hafiz. The words jumped off the page and all of a sudden I found myself crying. Since then I’ve been rereading it, and the words are never far from my mind. Although it’s abstract and mystical, I find that it accesses something that’s universal and profound. Hm, maybe that’s why Hafiz is still so well loved today.
In the southern Iranian city of Shiraz, where Hafiz lived, his majestic shrine is a favorite tourist destination and a sanctuary for those seeking solace. It’s always buzzing with visitors.
I wasn’t prepared for its beauty, or the feeling of serenity and comfort that it exudes. I didn’t want to leave, I just wanted to stay and soak up the good vibrations. I stayed into the evening, so I got to see it glowing softly at sunset, when for me it became even more magical. Here is the poem, as interpreted by the respected Hafiz translator Daniel Ladinsky.
Your Mother and My Mother, by Hafiz
~
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.
Wonderful. I only knew the first verse before. Buddhism has a similar concept that we have all been each other’s mothers previously so we should be compassionate to all. So interesting how people come up with the same ideas across cultures. Thanks for sharing your inspiration!
HI Leah that’s so interesting. I was still trying to figure out the “mothers” part of the poem, thank you for giving me this insight!
Beautiful…its very powerful poem. especially when you reflect on the words in a beautiful place like the solace Shrine in your picture. I like it.
“….if you pray, somewhere in this world–something good will happen.”
It’s so true, isn’t it? Sometimes we’re disappointed that what we asked for in a prayer wasn’t granted. But, we forget that our wishes may have brought good fortune to someone else.
Lovely! These pics make me homesick.
Hey Coco! Thanks for your comment. You just inspired me to read the poem again. There is so much meaning in those few lines, and I find the idea of prayers having an unknown happy result so hopeful and life affirming.
The city of Shiraz has a long history in viticulture. The pictures and poem are very inspiring indeed. I would love to some day visit and feel the amazing power of places like these.
This is absolutely beautiful! Thank you for posting this. I love the poem, I’m going to keep that in my heart.
What a beautiful poem! Thank you so much for sharing it. <3
The city of Shiraz has a long background in viticulture. The images as well as poem are really inspiring undoubtedly. I would certainly like to some day check out and really feel the amazing power of locations like these. This is definitely gorgeous! Thank you for publishing this. I enjoy the rhyme, I’m mosting likely to keep that in my heart.
The first two pictures are not from Hafiz shrine. The pictures are from Saadi Shirazi’s shrine who was alive 100 years before Hafiz. He also lived in Shiraz and was a great poet and literary writer.