One of my favorite poets, whose work I often turn to in moments of both joy and sorrow, is Hafiz. A Persian poet who lived in the 1300s, Hafiz was a Sufi writer and mystic. Though not much is known about his life, his work has endured and is now the source of inspiration for people of various faiths around the world.
As I have watched so many of the children in our community coming to services during Holy Week and on Easter, participating in the music ministry, running around the building with wild abandon, taking communion with their families and so much more, the following Hafiz poem sprung to mind.
The God Who Only Knows Four Words
Every
Child
Has known God,
Not the God of names,
Not the God of don’ts,
Not the God who ever does Anything weird,
But the God who only knows four words And keeps repeating them, saying:
“Come dance with Me.”
Come Dance.
— Hafiz, rendered by Daniel Ladinsky
I am curious how this poem strikes you. Have you had an experience, as either a child or an adult of a God who wants to dance with you? What image or experience of God is resonating with you most right now? Does this image of a God who invites us to dance fit into that image? This particular poem may or may not speak to you. You may or may not like it. But regardless, I invite you this week to think about what God is inviting you into in your life. In this Easter season, in this time of new growth and longer days, what is God saying to you right now?
Elizabeth Lienesch
St. John’s Intern
