A Tethered Falcon

My heart sits on the arm of God
Like a tethered falcon
Suddenly unhooded.

I am now blessedly crazed
Because my Master's astounding effulgence
Is in constant view.

My piercing eyes,
Which have searched every world
For tenderness and love,
Now look on the royal target -
The wild holy One
Whose beauty illuminates existence.

I am a tethered falcon
With great wings and sharp talons poised,
Every sinew taut, like a sacred bow,
Quivering at the edge of my Self
And eternal freedom,

Though still held in check
By a miraculous
Divine golden cord.

Beloved,
I am waiting for You to free me
Into your mind
And infinite Being.
I am pleading in absolute helplessness
To hear, finally, your words of grace:
Fly! Fly into Me!

Hafiz,
Who can understand
Your sublime Nearness and Separation?

(Hafiz)

'I Heard God Laughing' by Daniel Ladinsky)