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So Many Gifts

There are so many gifts
Still unopened from your birthday,
There are so many hand-crafted presents
That have been sent to you by God.

The Beloved does not mind repeating,
“Everything I have is also yours.”

Please forgive Hafiz and the Friend
If we break into a sweet laughter
When your heart complains of being thirsty
When ages ago
Every cell in your soul
Capsized forever
Into this infinite golden sea.

Indeed,
A lover’s pain is like holding one’s breath
Too long
In the middle of a vital performance,

In the middle of one of Creation’s favorite
Songs.

Indeed, a lover’s pain in this sleeping,
This sleeping,
When God just rolled over and gave you
Such a big good-morning kiss!

There are so many gifts, my dear,
Still unopened from your birthday.

O, there are so many hand-crafted presents
That have been sent to your life
From God.

-Hafiz from The Gift translated by Daniel Ladinsky

What are the gifts you have received this day?  What seeds of new blooming have blown gently into your life?  Which are the gifts that remain unopened?

-Christine Valters Paintner @ Abbey of the Arts

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6 Responses

  2. Christine,
    I love the bottom picture…the seed pods look oriental to me.
    Thank you so much!

  6. Exquisite photos!!! So precious these seeds of life in their flight.

    Is it your birthday today? :)