Now Is The Time
By Hafiz, Submitted by Yael Kiken
Hafiz is a Persian-Muslim poet, scholar, political satirist, and teacher who lived during the 14th Century.
This poem was submitted by Yael Kiken. She works in DC as an educator and advocate, helping to make quality childcare more accessible for families. Yael also loves to read, cook, and hang out with her Well Circle! Please reach out to Yael for poem recommendations or questions: yael.kiken@gmail.com.
This poem, written by a Muslim man who lived far away and long ago, wonderfully mirrors Elul’s themes, and has much to offer modern day women movements, inspiring us to connect our bodies, minds, and spirits. This poem guides us to notice the Divine that resides in it all.
Now is the time to know
That all that you do is sacred.
Now, why not consider
A lasting truce with yourself and God.
Now is the time to understand
That all your ideas of right and wrong
Were just a child’s training wheels
To be laid aside
When you can finally live
With veracity
And love.
Hafiz is a divine envoy
Whom the Beloved
Has written a holy message upon.
My dear, please tell me,
Why do you still
Throw sticks at your heart
And God?
What is it in that sweet voice inside
That incites you to fear?
Now is the time for the world to know
That every thought and action is sacred.
This is the time
For you to deeply compute the impossibility
That there is anything
But Grace.
Now is the season to know
That everything you do
Is sacred.
Questions FOR SELF REFLECTION OR FOR your Well Circle
What do you think Hafiz meant by “all your ideas of right and wrong were just a child’s training wheels”?
How would you define the word “sacred” as it’s used here? Does this use of the word resonate with you? Why or why not?
What can this poem teach us about forgiveness? Wellness? Fear?
How can you incorporate messages from this poem into your spiritual roadmap for the coming year?