This is a poem I interpreted for my art show for the Partnership for Lawrence Arts toast the arts events they have. I reposted it a while ago, but think it's value is more complete with the text so here that is and I'll share my explanation of my interpretation after that because I think the message is so lovely, I hope it helps those that take a moment to think about it, reflect upon it and go from there with it.
Stop Being So Religious... by Hafiz
What
Do sad people have in
Common?
It seems
They have all built a shrine
To the past
And often go there
And do a strange wail and
Worship.
What is the beginning of
Happiness?
It is to stop being
So religious
Like That.
In observing my life, I have discovered that I have a few of these "churches". My past hurts, fears, struggles, drama, shame, etc... One wouldn't think that we make a shrine out of those ugly places, but, I challenge the average person to think about it.
Some people don't honestly have this problem, and to them, I'm saying congratulations! But for those that struggle with feelings of inadequacy, shame, pain, bitterness, unforgiveness, victimization, fear and abandonment, this poem is for you.
We tend to go back to those hurts because if all else fails, we've still got those we can "count on". They won't let you down, you've got something that you can count on. An armpit to go smell. A "friend" if you will, that even though you hate, you don't want to let it go because if you don't have it around, what will you have then?
So I illustrated this with the words and symbols placed over the Basilica in Notre Dame. The keyholes, are the portal to the words, a path to the dark parts of our hearts. The key has a heart at the end. The answer is love and freedom!. When you open a door, what happens? You become free to leave or explore and live beyond your current limitations and hangups!
So, Stop being religious like that....
