(After Hafiz)

When you were a kid Someone first pinched you You cried out: Mommy! Later when someone else came Around and hammered nails In the middle of your trunk.

You swore at them Dirtiest curses of the marketplace Pushing those rusting nails Deeper into yourself.

Now you toss all day and night With some nameless pain Which you haven’t had examined.

Look at yourself, brother. See how many holes Beloved Has already knocked in your walls To let her light to stream through

If only, if only you let the acid Of love do its work!