When The Sky Falls...Or Doesn't...

Pondering Chickens

—Photo by n.ciano, Davis

SOMETIMES I SAY TO A POEM
—Hafiz

Sometimes I say to a poem,

"Not now,

Can't you see I am bathing!"

But the poem usually doesn't care

And quips,

"Too bad, Hafiz,

No getting lazy—

You promised God you would help out

And He just came up with this

New tune."

Sometimes I say to a poem,

"I don't have the strength

To wring out another drop

Of the Sun."

And the poem will often

Respond

By climbing onto a barroom table:

Then lifts its skirt, winks,

Causing the whole sky to

Fall.

(trans. from the Persian by Daniel Landinsky)

_______________________

—Medusa