How Eternity Could be Endured


You must have seen yourself by now- I mean
the real Self.  It must have at least passed close
by one day, maybe even stepped on your toes.
Or dragged you somewhere.

That Self, upon your seeing it, gave you the idea
of how eternity could be endured, because of a

tremendous enchantment you felt for a grace
emanating from all things, and your soul now
the epicenter.  Your own presence, upon every
throne.

Such and incandescence you emanated, and so
magnificently sovereign you felt, that rightfully,

rightfully, all your ideas of God would look very
pale if they had the audacity to stand next to
you, when your sight was clear . . . and all your
power revealed.


poem by Hafiz (c. 1320-1389)
translated by Daniel Ladinsky


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