I bought a lovely book of poetry last week, called Mala of the Heart: 108 Sacred Poems. I find that they express a profound sensitivity to the deeper aspects of life. I will post some of them from time to time over the next while. This one speaks to me at this moment. Sometimes difficult experiences put us in touch with what lies beneath the surface, namely, the soul, or our deepest self, and help us in our search for identity or meaning.

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.

Hafiz (1320-1390 A.D)