The Voice of Love

from Psalm 29

The voice of the Beloved is upon the waters;
Love's voice echoes over the oceans and seas.
The voice of Love is powerful, majestic is the voice of Love.

The voice of the Beloved breaks the bonds of oppression,
shatters the chains of injustice.
Love invites all to the dance of freedom,
to sing to the Beloved's song of truth.

The voice of Love strikes with fire upon the hearts of stone.
The voice of Love uproots the thorns of fear,
Love uproots fear in every open heart.

The voice of Love is heard in every storm, and strips the ego bare;
And in their hearts all cry, "Glory!"

The Beloved lives in our hearts;
Love dwells with us forever.
May Love give strength to all people!
May Love belss all nations with peace!

from Psalms for Praying
a translation by Nan C Merrill

Someone Untied Your Camel

I cannot sit still with my countrymen in chains.
I cannot act mute
Hearing the world's loneliness
Crying near the Beloved's heart.

My love for God is such
That I could dance with Him tonight without you,
But I would rather have you there.

Is your caravan lost?

It is,
If you no longer weep from gratitude or happiness,
Or weep
From being cut deep with the awareness
Of the extraordinary beauty
That emanates from the most simple act
And common object.

My dear, is your caravan lost?

It is if you can no longer be kind to yourself
And loving to those who must live
With the sometimes difficult task of loving you.

At least come to know
That someone untied your camel last night
For I hear its gentle voice
Calling for God in the desert.

At least come to know
That Hafiz will always hold a lantern
With the galaxies blooming inside
And that

I will always guide your soul to
The divine warmth and exhilaration
Of our Beloved's
Tent.

~ Hafiz ~

(The Gift -- versions of Hafiz by Daniel Ladinsky)