I Heard God Laughing: Poems of Hope and Joy
buy bestselling books in print, audio books
|
 |
List Price: $15.00
Our Price:
$10.20
You Save: $4.8
|
| [ + Zoom ] [ Buy Now ] |
Book : Usually ships in 24 hours |
|
I Heard God Laughing: Poems of Hope and Joy Customer Reviews
|
|
|
|
♥♥♥♥♥
|
Nothing Better
|
I've read other translators of Hafiz, Rumi, etc. and while I do not speak the original language, I cannot imagine a more truthful and present-time translation of Hafiz totally in keeping with the spirit of his words. I am a poet myself and the good ones make meanings that transcend their own words. Ladinsky taps into Hafiz's meanings and the joy that bubbles up from it is contagious. Every single poem makes Hafiz's spirit come alive garbed in bright shiny eyes and compassionate heart -- looking right at you. It is said that in Arab countries the average person on the street can and will quote Hafiz by heart. You need crucial images to do that. A humdrum or more accurate interpretation in English will not stick to the ears nor the heart. How's this for memorable lines:
"You better start kissing me -- or else!"
"You don't have to act crazy anymore --
We all know you were good at that."
"The stars get clearly drunk
And crazy at night
And throw themselves
Across the sky."
"I know the way you can get
When you have not had a drink of Love."
"Do you know how beautiful you are?
I think not, my dear.
Yet Hafiz could set you upon a Stage
And worship you forever!"
"I have a thousand brilliant lies
For the question, How are you?"
And finally,
"A poet is someone
Who can pour Light into a spoon,
Then raise it to nourish
Your beautiful parched, holy mouth."
If God is the Light and Hafiz is the spoon, then Daniel Ladinsky is the one holding you upright to receive the gift. |
|
I Heard God Laughing: Poems of Hope and Joy Books In Print, Audio Books.