Discovering Hafez: a persian poetry journey with Bloodaxe Books

There are few things in life that feel as intimate as unwrapping a package and discovering a book that seems to have been waiting for you. Recently, that arrived in the form of Beloved from Bloodaxe Books. As I turned the pages, I found myself reflecting on how poetry and Persian culture have quietly shaped my life.

Poetry in childhood

My earliest memories are threaded with verse, thanks to my mum reading to me with such gusto that even now I can hear her voice echoing through those childhood afternoons. It wasn’t just entertainment, it was a spark. In 1986, that spark led me, a ten-year-old with an overactive imagination, to enter the Evening Chronicle Poetry Competition. Sponsored by Bloodaxe Books, it was amazing to be named among the 20 junior winners (mostly private school kids, when I was at state school). That moment lit a flame that still warms me today. I was the underdog, but I’d fought against all the odds to succeed.

Poetry meets Persian culture

Fast forward to the present, and poetry has woven itself into my adult life in the most unexpected way. Marrying a Persian, H, the numbers man, meant stepping into a world where poetry is as natural as breathing. In Iran, verse is not just art; it’s life. Nearly everyone can recite lines from the greats, like Hafez, the 14th-Century poet whose words pulse through the nation’s cultural heartbeat.

Why Hafez matters

Hafez is no ordinary poet. His works explore love, life, sorrow, and loss with a subtle ambiguity that leaves room for endless interpretation. Translating that into English is tricky, and H would agree, the beauty is in the multiple layers. His poetry resonates with the emotional highs and lows we all experience, making it surprisingly universal despite the centuries and miles between us.

Fal-e Hafez: poetry as oracle

Hafez isn’t just for reading; in Persian tradition, his poetry offers guidance. Through fal-e Hafez, a canary selects a poem, revealing answers to life’s questions. I’ve even walked the gardens of Hafez’s Mausoleum in Shiraz, seeking insight in the lyrical company of a canary. With H’s help, Hafez has become my quiet companion, offering wisdom when life feels uncertain.

‘Beloved’ by Bloodaxe Books

So, you can imagine my delight discovering Beloved, which gathers 81 of Hafez’s poems translated by Mario Petrucci. At £12, it’s a treasure that bridges East and West, opening a doorway to Persian culture, lyrical beauty, and timeless reflection. Whether you’re a poetry lover or a curious newcomer, it’s an invitation to pause, read, and maybe even consult the canary for a little guidance of your own.

Explore Beloved and let Hafez, Bloodaxe Books, and a hint of Persian magic enrich your life: www.bloodaxebooks.com.