The Divine Game of Tag: Finding God in Joy and Play

In the realm of mystical poetry, few voices resonate with the same warmth and exuberant joy as the verses attributed to the great Persian master, Hafiz. Often interpreted through the modern lens of translators like Daniel Ladinsky, these poems invite us to a radical realization: spirituality is not a somber duty, but a celebratory dance with the Divine.

God in Disguise

The core of this text presents a beautiful, almost childlike metaphor. It suggests that God is a “master of disguise,” playing a perpetual game of tag with humanity. When the poem says, “He has kissed you and said, ‘You’re It,'” it speaks to the moment of spiritual awakening. To be “It” is to realize that the separation between the seeker and the Sought is an illusion. You are not just a player in the game; you are the very essence of the Divine walking the earth.

The Alchemy of Laughter and Wisdom

One of the most striking elements of the poem is its rejection of the “stoic saint” archetype. The author speaks of:

• Wrapping laughter as a gift: Suggesting that joy is a spiritual practice.
• Weaving light into words: The idea that our communication should uplift and illuminate others.
• Divine Eccentricity: A “crazed soul” is not one who has lost their mind, but one who has found a generosity so infinite that the world can no longer categorize them.

Nature as a Mirror of the Soul

The imagery used—holding a lion’s paw, watching the sun and moon argue over who will tuck the poet in at night—illustrates a state of Cosmic Consciousness. When you align with the Divine, the universe ceases to be a hostile or indifferent place. Instead, it becomes intimate. Every meadow, every bird’s song, and every celestial body becomes a part of your own expanded family.

Beyond the Curtain: The Backstage of Existence

The poem concludes with a powerful transition from play to profound truth. It mentions God dragging the seeker “backstage by the hair” to show the “only possible reason for this bizarre and spectacular existence.”

This is the “Meali” or the deeper essence of the message: While the world is a beautiful play (Lila), there is a deeper reality behind the scenes. The “reason” is love—a love so high it floods the soul, drowning all fears and fantasies until only the Beautiful One remains.

Final Thoughts for Your Journey

Hafiz invites us to stop looking for God in cold stone temples and start looking in the “meadows of the heart.” If you feel a sudden burst of laughter or a moment of unexplainable peace, pay attention. You’ve just been tagged. And in this game, being “It” is the greatest blessing of all.