And the dialogue belongs to them (2): Henry Miller and Anaïs Nin

“My Eyes So Soft”
by Hafiz, trans. Daniel Ladinsky

Don't surrender your loneliness so quickly.
Let it cut more deep.

Let it ferment and season you
As few human or even divine ingredients can.

Something missing in my heart tonight
Has made my eyes so soft,
My voice so tender,

My need of God
Absolutely
Clear.

Divan of Hafez opening Shamsah, 15th century. Image copyright of the British Library