I am a Golden Compass –
Watch me whirl.
To the east and to the west,
To the north and to the south,
In all directions I will true your course
Toward laughter and unity.
To everywhere I will deliver enlightenment
On the backs of camels, birds
And strong pilgrims.
Into every country
I will carry the Holy Names and dance
And dance.
I am a Golden Compass –
Watch me sing and spin
Illustrious strands of lyrics and truth.
I am a divine Agent.
Your passage to light, your ticket,
May need my stamp.
My feet and verse are now ecstatic
And midair;
Just place your self beneath our leaping arch –
We will sweetly rain upon you.
Watch me whirl into nothingness
Your fears and darkness –
Just keep tossing them onto my golden plate.
I am a Holy Instrument always tuned by God
I live beyond every dimension.
I have been lifted drunk off the floor
In a Magnificent Tavern.
Now at my seat upon Divine Love
I gaze at Everything with brilliant, clear eyes.
I can so easily lean my cheek across this small table
Of time and space
And let you touch my beautiful laughing
Wooly beard.
Hafiz is an Emerald Compass.
My knowledge will put manna in your purse.
My only duty that now remains
To this world
Is from every direction
To forever serve you wine and
Hope.
Hafiz is a Golden Skirt
The Beloved has lifted off a magnificent floor
And has tied around His waist.
Watch us whirl, whirl,
Whirl!
From: ‘The Subject Tonight is Love: 60 Wild and Sweet Poems of Hafiz by Daniel Ladinsky. Copyright © 1999 by Daniel Ladinsky. Reprinted by permission of the author.