I Follow Barefoot

I long for You so much

I follow barefoot Your frozen tracks

That are high in the mountains

That I know are years old.

I long for You so much

I have even begun to travel

Where I have never been before.

Hafez, there is no one in this world

Who is not looking for God.

Everyone is trudging along

With as much dignity, courage

And style

As they possibly

Can.

Hafez   1320—1389
Was an Iranian poet whose life and work have influenced post-14^th century Persian writing more than any other author. His collected works are found in the homes of most people in Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Much later his work would leave its mark on western writers such as Thoreau, Goethe and Emerson who referred to him as a poet’s poet. His themes are the Beloved, faith and exposing hypocrisy.

I am particularly touched by his statement that everyone is looking for God and saying we are “trudging along with as much dignity, courage and style” as we possibly can. I like that the emphasis is not on finding God or achieving perfection but on the journey itself. I feel a great humility and generosity in that view; perhaps intention may be enough and it is for God to grant his grace and reveal Himself, or not.