A Poet's Wit

[NightScribe]

While doing research for my next fic, I came across this poem, written by Hafiz, a 14th century Persian poet. I'm sure a little something (or more) got lost in the translation from Farsi to English, but the overall sentiment (and wit) comes through. The translation is by some guy named Ladinsky.

That Sounds Wonderful

Good poetry makes a beautiful naked woman materialize from words,

Who then says, with a sword precariously waving in her hands,

"If you look at my loins, I will cut off your head,

And reach down and grab your spirit by its private parts,

And carry you off to heaven, squealing in joy."

Hafiz says,

"That sounds wonderful, just wonderful.

Someone please...start writing some great lines."

I really love that opening line and the last two. People don't change much over the centuries, do they?

[Guest yamsham]

Thanks to both of you. I've never heard of Hafiz or Rumi before. Now excuse me, I've got some reading to do.