We are a restless lot. In all ways we are constantly aware that we have work to do while in this life. A brush with the divine is like finding a multifaceted jewel. It can feel a blessing and a curse because of its intangible nature in changing with every angle and how deeply it alters our personal perception of life. It is harder still for those who are inclined to words, as it is experiential and inexplicable.
This poem reminds me of the restless nature of desire for things once known and now gone or leaving. It is, of course, a folly to lament what has passed but until it is supplanted, fully understood or released, it pulls us out of the now and into the limbo of memory. Memory like a holiday or a demonic pursuant, depending on your take. Such is the nature of being human.
The Heart is like that:
Blessed and ruined
Once it has Known
Divine Beauty.
Video: I stumbled upon this beautiful video made by Ellen Vaman inspired by Hafiz' words. The artist has placed the Earth on the left of the feminine and Jupiter on the right; a groundswell of inspiration. So here you have this beautiful rendition with music by Saint of Sin. The song is, Tangerine Fields from the album The Awakening.
Photo by Ron Dudley
The original post in this series of poems by Hafiz (including an addendum regarding the authenticity of these poems) can be found here.
The Gift: Poems by Hafiz and translated by Daniel Ladinsky can be purchased here.