Up Late Reading Hafiz

by Doug Anderson

Hafiz, help me, where have you written
that as an old man lightning would singe my beard
and fling me down, a rag on the grass.
This is not fair.  My heart will not take it.
Why not burn me up while you’re at it?
I am all spirit now, fly into that dog
and make him mad as I.  See him howling?
Or is that me love-stunned and without dignity,
hair ripped out by the roots from this unasked-for storm?
Why didn’t you let me love this way as a young man?
All right, I was too stupid.  I agree.  So be it.
I’ll get up now and try to find my way home.
Someone has left her heart lit for me not to stumble.