Daniel Ladinsky’s unforgettable lyrical poems are inspired by the cherished verse of Rumi.
Renowned for his poignant interpretations of Hafiz’s mystical texts, Daniel Ladinsky captures the beauty, intimacy, and musicality of another of Islam’s most beloved poets and spiritual thinkers. In collaboration here with Nancy Owen Barton, they explore the nuances of desire—that universal emotion—in verse inspired by Rumi’s love and admiration for his companion and spiritual teacher, Shams-e Tabriz. Rather than offer a literal translation capturing the form of a particular classical work, Ladinsky and Barton craft poems that release the spirit of Rumi. These poems thoughtfully capture the compelling wisdom of one of Islam’s most revered artistic and religious voices and one of the most widely read poets in the English language.
