Author Archives: bill gannett

Wikidpedia: an encyclopedia of Babadumb. Innaugral entry: Jai Ho Club

Posted on July 25, 2014 by bill gannett

The Jai Ho Club was a latter-day inspiration of Chairman Bao. This fan club represented Bao’s inner circle  of Mothers, Queens, caregivers, attendants, secretaries, bodyguards, close fans and, it must be admitted, the occasional sycophant. Select members were given special … Continue reading →

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Ghazal #96 from Ghazals For The Friend

Posted on July 21, 2014 by bill gannett

I run from the rotting stench of my precious thought, But cannot find the pure, sweet breeze of I am not! The sweet grace of Lord and Master will set me free, When I submit myself to grace and cease to … Continue reading →

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Bio of Francis Brabazon from “Stay With God”

Posted on July 19, 2014 by bill gannett

Francis Brabazon – A Biographical Sketch Francis Brabazon was born in England in 1907. He moved to Australia with his family when he was a young child, the youngest of five children. They settled on a farm in Victoria. In … Continue reading →

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Ayatollah Queen

Posted on July 12, 2014 by bill gannett

God help us, God save us, from the Ayatollah Queen: may we never parade before the mirror and preen. May we never pump our spirit with precious fatwa, and pass our droll days preaching on the latrine.

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Big Fist and the gods of doublethink command our praise

Posted on July 5, 2014 by bill gannett

Big Fist and the gods of doublethink command our praise; we have become devoted to flag waving all our days. The corporation now wears a crown as a religious right, with the grasping public gasping with spiritual malaise. How did … Continue reading →

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How Ladinsky and Penguin have misrepresented and betrayed Hafiz/ Hafez

Posted on May 30, 2014 by bill gannett

Ladinsky’s several books of poetry published by Penguin falsely claim to be either translations, versions or renderings of the poet Hafez; in fact, they are not based on the Persian text nor are they based on existing English translations or … Continue reading →

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Ladinsky’s Ersatz Hafez

Posted on May 21, 2014 by bill gannett

Translation is complicated in that the veracity of the work must be taken on faith if one does not know the original language. Thus good translators are careful to account for their approach to the craft and take seriously the … Continue reading →

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Rumi quatrain, #170 Foruzanfar

Posted on May 17, 2014 by bill gannett

Lover shouts out for the candle of joy; Candle comes but moth is silent- alas. Behold a light better than day or night O soul be quick, heart-fire longs for you!

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Rose twines the derelict

Posted on May 12, 2014 by bill gannett

Rose twines the derelict, graces old and cracked brick: love adorns the broken, but sighs for the perfect.

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Kabir, #78 from The Bijak of Kabir, translated by Linda Hess/ Shukdev Singh

Posted on May 4, 2014 by bill gannett

Now I’ve understood Hari’s magic play. Beating his drum he rolls out the show then gathers it in again. The great Hari dupes gods, men and sages. When he brings out the sorceress Maya she baffles everyone in the house, … Continue reading →

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