Love's Alchemy transated by David & Sabrineh Fideler

Love's Alchemy: Poems from the Sufi Tradition translated from the Persian by David and Sabrineh Fideler is the perfect anthology of poems to honor National Poetry month. The collection features a range of Sufi poems, including the most notable Sufi poets, Rūmī and Hāfiz. If you are not familiar with Sufi poetry, one could say that you haven't really lived. The words of these poets drip with romanticism. Even after translated into English, much of the poems are written in a code, which

"provides the reader with an ongoing source of delight -- for as the reader's understanding continues to expand, the same poems can continue to reveal deeper levels of meaning over the course of many years."

After a thorough introduction to Sufi poetry, the translators include close to 175 poems which exude passion, love and an exuberance for life. Each poem lingers in the soul, provoking a mysterious connection to the poets of another culture. Each poem captures a very specific sentiment that cannot be described, but only felt. At the conclusion of the book, the translators offer an introductory course on understanding Persian poems. Additionally, a glossary of common Sufi metaphors is provided to assist in the reader's appreciation of the poems.


"It would be me," by Pūr Bahā Jāmī is one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy this Sufi poem as much as I do.

It would be me

Drunk on love's wine?

That would be me.

Broke a thousand vows?

That would be me.

Crazy yet learned--

Scoundrel yes saint--

If anyone is like that

it would be me.

Love's Alchemy: Poems from the Sufi Tradition translated by David and Sabrineh Fideler is now available in paperback. This anthology of Sufi poems is unforgettable, earning it three out of three stars. Reminder List highly recommends Love's Alchemy for every poetry lovers library.