The small man builds cages for everyone he knows While the sage, who has to duck his head when the moon is low, Keeps dropping keys all night long For the beautiful rowdy prisoners.

Pulling out the chair beneath your mind And watching you fall upon God What else is there for Hafiz to do that is any fun in this world!

One regret dear world, that I am determined not to have when I am lying on my deathbed is that I did not kiss you enough.

I once asked a bird, how is it that you fly in this gravity of darkness? She responded, 'love lifts me.'

The lips of the one I love are my perpetual pleasure.

I am happy even before I have a reason.

'Tis writ on Paradise's gate, Woe to the dupe that yields to fate!