The brave wolf of Gubbio returns to growl at thieves,
And with bared fangs snarls at those who deceive;
Dove, crow and thrush assemble with hawk and owl
In Tree of Shimmering Leaf- and preach to the dull;
All the fishes of muddy lake, river, ocean and sea
Rise up, and gasp their desperate cry for purity:
“Francis taught the praise of our gifted Creator.
His heart was alive with Love, and is our Savior.”
“But you sleep like stone locked in self-embrace;
Wake up and sing to receive the Master’s grace!”
“Nature longs for the naked song of the pure lover,
Who has surrendered all shame and needs no cover.”
Darvish heard wolf, bird and fish sing such verse;
He sobs in grief that Adam labors on under a curse.
Here is the story of St. Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio, for anyone who does not know/remember it: http://www.anaflora.com/articles/saints-sages/saint-1.html Dear Darvish, I appreciate the three poems I just read (will not go and read some of your Hafiz translations here, too). I very much like the way you created a structure here that makes the last line cut so deeply! I’m currently reading essays about the ghazal form. Just finished the Introduction to the book RAVISHING DISUNITIES, which you must know of. I notice that your “English ghazals” are more in the Brabazon style, basically rhymed couplets. From your… Read more »