Perched in my favorite tree in Afghanistan (Photo: Emily O'Dell)
Next to the shrine (Photo: Emily O'Dell)
Every beautiful face that manifested itself to you
The heavens will soon remove it from your eyes
Go and give your heart to the person in the bounds of existence
Who has always been with you, and always will be.
— Jami (d. 1492)
This may just be my favorite tree. While I was visiting Sufi shrines in Afghanistan, I stumbled up on this tree–carved with graffiti–standing next to a shrine. Though my Afghan companions were compelled to head right for the shrine, I found myself pulled to the tree to explore the incised calligraphy decorating its trunk.
After taking some photos, I tried climbing up the tree as high as I could–though I didn’t get very far. Since the boughs of the tree hang over an oversized swing set, I imagine many Afghan children spend their time climbing this painted tree too.
You don’t need to know Dari to understand some of the words carved on this tree–just a little Arabic will do. If you look closely, you’ll see the word ‘ishq engraved on its tattooed trunk. Look again, and maybe you’ll make out another Sufi concept too. For now, I’ll let you do the deciphering, instead of giving it all away.
And if you don’t know Arabic or Persian, you can always look at these numerals, and see if you can spot any numbers…
Why do I love this tree? Maybe because it brings together my love of inscription, language and nature–and as the greeter of travelers from both near and far, it keeps silent watch day and night over a marvelous shrine…
When from that tree, feathers and wings
sprout on your soul, be quieter than a dove.
Don’t open your mouth for even a cooooo.
— Rumi
Can you make anything out? (Photo: Emily O'Dell)
