Three years ago this July, we set off to Africa for the first time. Six months later, we left Africa, not knowing if/when we would be back. I sit here tonight less than twenty-four hours from flying to Ethiopia and Nigeria again.
A very bright, nearly full moon sits in the early night sky above the neighborhood where I grew up. A peaceful, low-humidity sunset has slipped away, only to return another summer day.
In the morning, another journey begins. I know not what will occur over the next six weeks. My wish to our family and friends who will follow along with us:
I AM FULL OF LOVE TONIGHT
I am full of love tonight
Come look into my eyes, and let’s go off
Sailing, my dear, on a long ocean ride.
This world will not touch you,
I will keep you snug upon my seat.
Let’s plot
To make that moon jealous
With a radiance leaping from your cheek.
I will be full of love tonight,
come look into these ancient eyes!
And let’s go off sailing, my dear,
With our spirits intertwined.
Your body is just an old sandbar
In a speeding hourglass of time.
Love will turn the mouth of sorrow
Right side up.
Let your heart commence its destined
Laughing chime!
Hafiz will be brimful of love tonight,
Why ever be shy?
Come look into the playful eyes of my verse,
They are eternally branded,
Branded with
The Sun!
(by Hafiz)
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