Hafez Visists Baharak Barzin a Fantasy Poem For Baharak Poem by Daniel Brick

May the peace of Allah descend upon you.
May you find Khidr's footsteps when you are lost
to lead you back to home and family. May pure water
from Ruknabad cleanse you of gossip and lies.
May the shadows and shine of Shiraz delight you.
May our time together in this quiet garden, sitting
side by side, spirit touching flesh, flesh touching spirit,
blend our deepest thoughts with with our leaping feelings.
I want to carry your kindness forever in my heart,
I want to write poems using your favorite words,
I want to spill images of our joy onto this hand,
this hand that writes the poems, that carries
patience and forgiveness, that waves to you
when you are distant and touches your cheek
when you are near, this hand that knows
how softly poetry lifts things settled in your heart
and shares them with a fragrant morning,
or an abandoned dog, or confused child far from
home. Perhaps as I age into ignorance and decrepitude
you will replace me, that is, you will stand in my park,
recite my meters, gather crowds eager for a recital.
Baharak jan, the old poets Saadi and Attar said the soul
speaks the language of poetry. And angels echo that
language, because the beauty of it ruffles their feathers,
the truth of it launches their singing, and the goodness
of it opens the Gates of Paradise for all who,
in equal measure, toss praise-songs to animals
and humans and angels, and bow before the Throne of Allah. Let my hand guide you to poetic heights.