Nice, I have the place to myself! Fuck the TOS, let's see what's in the fridge?

*tofu, tofu, tofu, tofu, whole grain bread, wheat granola, tofu, Mars Bar (didn't think they sold Mars Bars in Tokyo), goat milk, tofu, goat cheese, Dymatize ISO 100 Protein powder (Alright! Someone read one of my reviews!), sugarless rainbow jello, rainbow raison bread (whole wheat of course), Jimmy Hoffa, sesame seeds, weed, tofu, tofu, H1N1 vaccine, tofu, carbon credits, tofu, tofu, Kobi beef , Kobayashi Maru, tofu, tofu, wheat germ, Bill Curtis, tofu, tofu, one million dollars for site upgrades, tofu, tofu*

See ADHD...

I'm very happy with my purchase. It came quickly and in good shape.I have nothing bad to say.

I love this book. Have had for years and read it often. Even use some of the poetry in birthday cards, etc. It is universal and inspiring. I feel that Daniel Ladinsky does an excellent job of translating Hafiz's work. It flows beautifully unlike other translations that I find dry and unappealling. I believe I even now enjoy Hafiz more than Rumi but it is a close call.

I've loved Rumi for some time and just recently discovered Hafiz. I see a wonderful similarity in their adoration of the natural world and of the Beloved. The title of this book especially grabbed me because I had an experience of my own recently where I heard the Laughter of God. On my journey sometimes I feel very alone, and it's so comforting to remember other pilgrims have passed this way before. I can't get enough!

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.

This is a marvelous book of poems. Almost every poem was touching. I highly
reccomend this book.