Poems for a New Year

Returning

Hafiz of Shiraz (Khwaja Shams ud-Din Hafiz-i Shirazi, 1326-1390)

The morning breeze comes back
and from the southern desert

the lapwing returns

The dove's soft song about roses
I hear that again.
The tulip, who understands what the lily says,

went away, but now she's back.
With the sound of a bell,
strength and gentleness.
Hafiz broke his vow and damaged his heart,
but now, for no reason, his Friend forgives that,

and turns, and walks back up to his door.

I am Like a Rose

D. H. Lawrence, 1917.

I am myself at last; now I achieve

My very self, I, with the wonder mellow,

Full of fine warmth, I issue forth in clear

And single me, perfected from my fellow.

Here I am all myself. No rose-bush heaving

Its limpid sap to culmination has brought

Itself more sheer and naked out of the green

In stark-clear roses, than I to myself am brought.