Aaron Moore | Memorization

Your Mother and My Mother

Fear is the cheapest room in the house. I would like to see you living In better conditions, For your mother and my mother Were friends. I know the Innkeeper In this part of the universe. Get some rest tonight, Come to my verse again tomorrow. We’ll go speak to the Friend together. I should not make any promises right now, But I know if you Pray Somewhere in this world— Something good will happen. God wants to see More love and playfulness in your eyes For that is your greatest witness to Him. Your soul and my soul Once sat together in the Beloved’s womb Playing footsie. Your heart and my heart Are very, very old Friends.

by Hafiz
tr. Daniel Ladinsky

[Source]

Personal Notes

I decided several years ago that I am bound to memorize any poem that makes me cry. This is one of them. I haven't memorized this one yet, but I'm planning to.
I discovered a book of Hafiz poetry on the staff picks display at the University of Washington bookstore. It was a wonderful thing to discover given those were pretty dark times for me.