We Have Not Come to Take Prisoners*

We have not come here to take prisoners,
But to surrender ever more deeply
To freedom and joy

We have not to come into exquisite world
To hold ourselves hostage from love

Run my dear,
From anything
That may not strengthen
your precious budding wings.

Run like hell my dear,
From anyone likely
To put a sharp knife
Into the sacred, tender vision
Of your beautiful heart.

We have a duty to befriend
Those aspects of obedience
That stand outside of our house
And shout to our reason
"O please, O please,
 Come out and play

For we have not come here to take prisoners
Or to confine our wondrous spirits,

But to experience ever and ever more deeply
Our divine courage, freedom and
Light!

*The Gift, Poems by Shams al-Din Muhammad Hafiz Shirazi