Tribute to Hafiz | Sufi Samuel L. Lewis

"Hafiz!"

What a joy to utter the name! What a thrill in the heart. I have never had a vision of him and hardly read a line of his poetry, yet - picture him and what do I see? Smiles! One big smile, bearing joy to all who greet him. He is like sunshine, bringing comfort and courage.

In my days of darkness he was with me, guiding me, encouraging me, showing me the way, always smiling, always cheerful.

When I look at the beautiful trees and pleasant meadows of sunny California, I picture him in his rose garden at Shiraz and feel that, had he not been born where and when he was, this country with its lovely scenery and beautiful weather would have brought inspiration to his heart, and ode upon ode would have resulted.

Allons, Hafiz! To study your works together!

I hear the blue birds twittering in the trees,
The leafy branches fluttering in the breeze,
While I sit here, musing at my ease,
Thinking of thee, Hafiz.

The trees around me spring has clothed in green
On hillside and in lovely vale between,
A typical lovely California scene,
Reminding me of thee, Hafiz.

And now to study and to read thy book,
Neath shelt'ring trees and in his lonely nook,
For though alone, God has not forsook me,
Nor thee, Hafiz!

Hafiz is always young. Not a boy or youth, but in early manhood. He has the spirit and enthusiasm of the child and youth with the wisdom of experience.

- from writings of 1925 Retreat of Sufi Samuel L. Lewis in the book titled, "Sufi Vision and Initiation: Meetings with Remarkable Beings." | photo of the tomb of Hafez in Shiraz, Iran

. More Photos of Hafez's Tomb via Flickr


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