Iranians seek guidance from ancient poetry of Hafez

Iranians visit the tomb of Persian mystic poet Hafez, in Shiraz, where he lived and died in the 14th century and composed his well known love poems or 'Ghazal'. Photo: AFP

When Iranians worry about life's big questions, many seek answers in the works and wisdoms of Persia's most revered poet, Hafez - sometimes with the help of a parakeet.

Retired housewife Mitra, 61, had questions about whether her son married the right woman, so she went to the tomb of Iran's beloved 14th-century bard in the southern city of Shiraz.