The Subject Tonight Is Love

Book excerpt: A rich collection that brings the great Sufi poet Hafiz to Western readers, from bestselling poet Daniel Ladinsky Perhaps more than any other Persian poet, it is Hafiz who most fully accesses the mystical, healing dimensions of verse. Acclaimed poet Daniel Ladinsky has made it his life’s work to create modern, inspired renderings of the world’s most profound spiritual poetry. Through Ladinsky’s renderings, Hafiz’s voice comes alive across the centuries, singing his timeless message of love. With this stunning collection, Ladinsky has once again succeeded brilliantly in capturing the essence of one of Islam’s greatest poetic and spiritual voices. “Ladinsky is a master who will be remembered for finally bringing Hafiz alive in the West.” —Alexandra Marks, The Christian Science Monitor