The Subject Tonight Is Love: 60 Wild and Sweet Poems Inspired by Hafiz (Compass)

Beautiful!

Lately, I have been purchasing and reading books on different kinds of poetry from around the world. I bought this 67 soft cover book (The subject tonight is love: 60 wild and sweet poems of Hafiz, translator: Daniel Ladinsky) on Amazon for a bargain price.This beautiful poem collection is translated by Daniel Ladinsky. Hafiz is a fourteenth-century poet from Persia whose wonderful poems have withstood the test of time. This collection focuses on 60 unique poems. One of the things I like about these Hafiz poems is that most of them are the perfect length and flow beautifully when reading them out loud or silently. It is also easy to understand the meaning in these well-written poems.This little book was a joy to read and if you are into ancient poetry from poems from all over the world and times, you should checkout this collection. The following two short poems is a sample of Hafiz’s work.The Subject tonight is LoveThe subject tonight is loveAnd for tomorrow night as well,As a matter of factI know of no better topicFor us to discussUntil we all Die.**************************************************************************************No other kind of lightFind that flame, that existence,That wonderful manWho can burn beneath the water.No other kind of lightWill cook the food you need.Rating 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art and Warrior Haiku and Senryu)

Joyful uplifting beautiful

I always enjoy Daniel's translations of the poet Hafiz!

I can not get enough of Daniel Ladinsky’s playful and joyful translations of historical poetry, especially Hafiz. I feel the emotions and import of each one, and am so forever grateful to have found this, and other Ladinsky works.

I loaned my copy and can't remember to whom, so had to buy another one. The cover paper is not as good glossy quality as my last copy but the poems still rock. I have all three Ladinsky volumes of Hafiz and like to start my day with a dose of Hafiz. Scholarly complaints about the quality of the translations are bunk. Ladinsky has captured the essence of Hafiz's crazy wisdom and divine love; I laugh and cry reading these poems even after all these years.

Hafiz has words that spin the moon. Know what I mean? This is a lovely book. A nice introduction also for those new to his body of work.

I first heard a poem from this book ina yoga class. I was awestruck by the amazing images, the blending of daily and divine and modernity of the themes! I am equally happy w/ the rest of this collection. I then lost my copy of this at an event last summer. So happy to find a great-priced copy on Amazon. I cannot live without some Hafiz in my life!

This book is definitely a Daniel Ladinsky interpretation of Hafiz's exact rhymes, rather than a pure translation, but don't be put off by that. It is a beautiful collection of poetry that has spiritual truth shine through almost every word. Both lyrical and down to earth by turns it's a collection I come back to read and ponder often. Simply put it makes my heart sing. The format is loose and inspired, but the words speak directly to the soul.The universal truths contemplated here can be found in every religion, and indeed in enlightened psychology. It's not surprising that Hafiz's works are so cherished.

I love Hafiz, and this book is delightful and never ceases to make me smile when I read it. He is a lover and a poet and Daniel Ladinsky shows this off in his inimitable way. I'm quite sure Hafiz would be very proud of the sensitive and colourful translations.

Perhaps these don't bear much relation to the Hafiz poems inspiring them. However, these are truly wonderful poems in their own right.If you take them in that spirit you will surely enjoy this collection.Ladinsky is undoubtedly a very talented poet, rather than translator perhaps.

I bought this book as a gift for my Valentine. We both love poetry and the spoken word and whilst I have enjoyed some of the poems in this collection in the past, they are a joy to return to time and again. Perfect for reading out loud to someone you love.

I have loved Rumi for decades, and was surprised to realise that for all these years I have been missing out on the joyful, illuminating, beauty of Hafiz. This book is a treasure for heart and soul.