A SINGING CLEANING WOMAN

A leaf says,

"Sweethearts - don't pick me,
For I am busy doing
God's work.

I am lowering my veins and roots
Like ropes

With buckets tied to them
Into the earth's deep
Lake.

I am drawing water
That I offer like a rose to
The sky.

I am a singing cleaning woman
Dusting all the shelves in
The air

With my elegant green
Rags.

I have a heart.
I can know happiness like
You."

(Hafiz)

'The Subject Tonight Is Love' by Daniel Ladinsky