I hold the Lion's Paw

As many of you may know, I adore the poetry of Hafiz. On the surface level, it's very simple- and if you take away only the beauty of the prose, that's fine. Hafiz was, however- like no one else- the master of walking the rather ambiguous cusp between the spiritual and the literal. I am agnostic, yet the relationship Hafiz shares with the divine is, I believe, a force to be reckoned with. This poem reminds me of Carlos, who's DJ name was The Paw (a special shout-out to DJ Mr. Fine Wine, who collaborated with Carlos while he was using this moniker). I hope it touches you.

I hold the Lion's Paw
Whenever I dance.

I know the ecstasy of the falcon's wings
When they make love against the sky.

And the sun and moon
Sometimes argue over
Who will tuck me in at night.

If you think I am having more fun
Than anyone on this planet
You are absolutely correct.

But Hafiz
Is willing to share all his secrets
About how to befriend God.

Indeed, dear ones,
Hafiz is so very willing
To share all his secrets
About how to know the
Beautiful
One.

I hold the Lion's Paw whenever I dance.