Author Archives: bill gannett

Ghazal #359 Divan-e-Hafez, Khanlari

We have not come to this door for position and rank; we came here for protection from the curse of fate. Wayfarers of the stations of love, from utter Nothing we have come all the way to the realm of … Continue reading

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I drink and drink and lift my ruby glass

I drink and drink, and lift my ruby glass; How, O how can I forget her- promise? Smash the mirror, O smash the mirror, now; What else to do when she finds me- remiss? And what to say, yes, what … Continue reading

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We live out a rogue fantasy

We live out a rogue fantasy Supported by divine mercy; Who knows the impossible truth Concealed in this mundane story?

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Ghazal #69, from Ghazals For The Friend

Hafez means the preserver of the very Word of God; For him, this was not the Koran, but truth’s very bod. His vocation was the ghazal- a personal confession: The Beloved’s long curly hair was his constant obsession. For God … Continue reading

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Ghazal #131, from Ghazals For The Friend

The Perfect Master reveals the Maha Yoga of you go, Just like the perfect actor’s self vanishes in a show. When the I, at last, starts to disappear from the mind, The ego whines in protest that it is going … Continue reading

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Ghazal #78 from Ghazals For The Friend

The Eternal Living Ancient One is your best Friend; He is the one on whom life after life you can depend. He is more loyal to you than your own faithful shadow, Who never fails to deny you in the twilight … Continue reading

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Ghazal #115 from Ghazals For The Friend

We shout as cracks widen under our feet; Shards of glass fly along the broken street. All the many promises we promised to keep, Pile into one another in a bloody heap. Eyes wide shut stare at the falling ground; … Continue reading

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Ghazal #123, from Ghazals For The Friend

Open the door, and let us in to embrace Your reluctance to bestow your grace. We have been banging with our callused fist, And wonder why you our ardor still resist? The Beloved, we have heard, is never so cruel, … Continue reading

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Frack you, mother fracker

Frack you, mother fracker; And zück off, cock zücker: Drill your obscene gas rig, And-extract-your-lucre!

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Divan-e-Hafez, #96 Khanlari

Yesterday, the old wine-seller- may his remembrance be exalted, Said to me: “Drink wine, and drive sorrow from your heart!” I replied: “Wine will throw my name and fame to the wind.” He then said: “Accept my words; let the … Continue reading

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