What Do White Birds Say

The earth has disappeared beneath my feet,It fled from all my ecstasy, Now like a singing air creature I feel the Rose Keep opening. My heart turned to effulgent wings. When has love not given freedom? When has adoration not made one free? A woman broken in tears and sweat Stands in a field Watching the sun and me Trade jokes. But never would Hafiz laugh At your blessed labor Of finding peace. What do the dancing white birds say Looking down upon burnt meadows? All that you think is rain is not. Behind the veil Hafiz and angels sometimes weep Because most eyes are rarely glad And your divine beauty is still too frightened To unfurl its thousand swaying arms. The earth has disappeared beneath my feet, Illusion fled from all my ecstasy. Now like a radiant sky creature God keeps opening. God keeps opening Inside of Me.

From ‘The Gift’ by Daniel Ladinsky.