I Saw Two Birds

Owl at the Castle

I Saw Two Birds
by Hafiz
as translated by Daniel Ladinsky

Both of our mouths
Can fit upon this flute I carry.

My music will sound
So much sweeter that way.

With your breath and my breath
Poking each other in the ribs
And kissing.

I saw two birds on a limb this morning
Laughing with the sun.
They reminded me of how
We will one day exist.

My dear,
Keep thinking about God,
Keep thinking about the Beloved
And soon our nest will be the
Whole firmament.

Forget about all your desires for truth,
We have gone far beyond that,
For now it is just –
Pure need.

Both our hearts are meant to sing.
Both our souls are destined to touch
And kiss.

Upon this holy flute
God carries.

From The Gift: Poems by Hafiz the Great Sufi Master
© Daniel Ladinsky