I Heard God Laughing: Poems of Hope and Joy

I've read other translators of Hafiz, Rumi, etc. and while I do not speak the original language, I cannot imagine a more truthful and present-time translation of Hafiz totally in keeping with the spirit of his words. I am a poet myself and the good ones make meanings that transcend their own words. Ladinsky taps into Hafiz's meanings and the joy that bubbles up from it is contagious. Every single poem makes Hafiz's spirit come alive garbed in bright shiny eyes and compassionate heart -- looking right at you. It is said that in Arab countries the average person on the street can and will quote Hafiz by heart. You need crucial images to do that. A humdrum or more accurate interpretation in English will not stick to the ears nor the heart. How's this for memorable lines: "You better start kissing me -- or else!" "You don't have to act crazy anymore -- We all know you were good at that." "The stars get clearly drunk And crazy at night And throw themselves Across the sky." "I know the way you can get When you have not had a drink of Love." "Do you know how beautiful you are? I think not, my dear. Yet Hafiz could set you upon a Stage And worship you forever!" "I have a thousand brilliant lies For the question, How are you?" And finally, "A poet is someone Who can pour Light into a spoon, Then raise it to nourish Your beautiful parched, holy mouth." If God is the Light and Hafiz is the spoon, then Daniel Ladinsky is the one holding you upright to receive the gift.

A very lovely good of poems.

I often select a poem from this book as a read-aloud to a group for a spiritual reflection. I like the book so much that I gave purchased it four or five times to give as a gift, and for myself, have become something of an afficionado of Hafiz poems, mostly rendered by Daniel Ladinsky.

Possibly the best 14th century book most people will read. Transcendental poetry, easy to read and enjoy. Surprisingly warm with humorous tone. But I think "....Daniel Ladinsky's extraordinary renderings..." got in the way. Apparently Persian poetry to English is a tough translation, but I think the translator's use of modern works and contemporary colloquial expression actually obscured the text at times. Other translations not easily available, as far as I can tell.

Hafiz is such a treasure, he brings spirit into the love and joy of earthly of life. I love Rumi as well, but Hafiz lifts my spirits, makes me glad to be alive. I've bought this book to gift a couple times, it's nice, but smaller and lighter than I expected. I own the old version of this book, which is much more beautiful and substantial, it's too bad that version is out of print. But it's the words that matter, and they're wonderful.

Landinsky has been described as a reinterpretor of Hafiz' poetry, and that these represent more his own writings than any of Hafiz's compositions. Yet the book is also presented as a representation of Hafiz's writings. This is an important LEGAL question, because we, the readers, are left without information about whether it is permissible to quote these writings in print of public performance. If they are the writings of Hafiz, they are about 650 years old and public domain. If they are Landinsky's own words, decorated with the Hafiz name for status, then it's altogether a different matter. Landinsky, you haven't made this easy. We need to know if this is YOUR work, or Hafiz's. Carify, could you?

I never seem to be able to keep this book; that is, to own it, because I always end up giving it to someone that I think needs it. I sent it to my daughter's friend in college who was having a rough time. She said it changed her life. She gave it to her mom. I left it at my boyfriend's house and he said it touched him and spoke to him when he was in a despairing mood. It is a very uplifting book. Maybe it's because it's short, maybe because it's Hafiz speaking more directly about happiness. All I know is that this is a gem and worth giving or (trying to ) keeping. I need to order a new copy today in fact. It's good for a daily morning meditation.

Some beautiful work here, which I have recited at clubs and meetings. Ladinsky does a beautiful translation - though at time my feeling is that he reached too hard for contemporary and street usage. I'd have to speak Persian to really know, but some of my Persian friends have echoed the same. The transcendence of the Sufi poets is so strong - so clearly on display in this collection. A worthy if smaller companion to The Gift, which is a masterwork.

The rating says it all

I read one or two poems every day - generally upon waking and/or before bedtime. This is my first book of poems by Hafiz. I am totally delighted and find the poems heartfelt and inspiring.

There s no one like Hafiz

Der Schreibstil ist etwas gewöhnungsbedürftig, aber es ist halt aus einer andren Zeit. Ich denke, es ist sehr schön übersetzt und berührt einen sehr. Das Büchlein wirkt sehr besonders und schön gearbeitet.

A wonderful modern rendition of the timeless poetry of the Sufi Perfect Master. Hafiz was a favourite of Avatar Meher Baba, and this edition brings out all the essential mixture of surreal humour and intense spiritual longing and divine insight that makes his poetry, and his life, so special. It is as relevant today as it was 800 years ago.