Love Poems from God

Today I want to share three poems from the book "Love Poems From God" by Daniel Ladinsky.

Each one made me gasp a little the first time I read it. I could feel its impact in my body as well as in my soul.

Both authors are mystics from the Muslim tradition, and beloved through centuries by people of many cultures and religions. They speak with the universal voice of the Soul.

The first poem belongs with the picture of the sky above. It is by Rabia, a woman mystic poet of the 8th century who lived a life of great hardship, yet endured to inspire countless people with words and deeds that flowed from her life of devotion to the Beloved.

Here it is:

THE SKY

I hear talk about the famous.

I hear talk about different cities.

The most intimate events of families

come to my ears.

I hear about temples and mosques and saints.

All that can be said, I have heard.

All that can be wanted I have seen.

My interest in this world has waned,

though not because I am depressed.

A fish in a bowl I was,

a bottom feeder,

but now I nurse

upon a breast

in the

sky.

The second two poems are by the Sufi poet Hafiz, who lived during the 14th century.

Here they are.

THE ROSE

How

did the rose

ever open its heart

and give to the world

all its beauty?

It felt the encouragement of Light

against its being.

Otherwise, we all remain too frightened.

THE SUN

Even

after all

this time

the sun never says to the earth,

"You owe me."

Look

what happens

with a love like that--

it lights the whole

world!

Here is my response-prayer:

Beloved One,

may I open my heart, like a rose,

blooming with your Beauty,

offering your fragrant Wisdom

to all the word,

warmed as I always am,

by Your Sun of Love.

Indeed, Your Sun-Love

floods the world,

floods my life,

never demanding anything in return,

only inviting me to turn,

like the sunflower,

towards You,

all day long.