There are some poems that just stay in my head in the form of fragments or simply vague ideas, and this is one of them. I can't really say why I am drawn back to it again and again. But I resonate with the message about loneliness. It's a very radical idea not to surrender loneliness but to let it cut more deeply into our hearts. I like the imagery of a person being fermented and seasoned by loneliness. How liberating to think of loneliness as simply one spice, one ingredient in the kitchen cupboard. It seems that in our culture we have a deep fear of loneliness. It is something to be avoided at all costs. It is embarrassing, shameful. I like this gentle idea from Hafiz that loneliness might have a higher purpose. Loneliness can make our need for God, for the divine, absolutely clear. I think that is lovely.
Absolutely Clear
by Hafiz
Don't surrender your loneliness
So quickly.
Let it cut more deep.
Let in ferment and season you
As few human
Or even divine ingredients can.
Something missing in my heart tonight
Has made my eyes so soft,
My voice
So tender,
My need of God
Absolutely
Clear.
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