here

 

 

 

 

 

I see the lamp, the face, the eye, 

an alter where the soul bows, a

 

gladness and refuge. My loving says,

"Here. I can leave my personality

 

here." My reason agrees! "How can 

I object when a rose makes the bent

 

backs stand up like cypresses?" Such

surrender changes everything. Turks

 

understand Armenian! Body abandons

boldness. Soul goes to the center.

 

Rubies appear in the begging bowl.

But don't brag when this happens.

 

Be secluded and silent. Stay in 

the delight, and be brought the

 

cup that will come. No artfulness.

Practice quiet and this new joy.

 

 

 

 

 ~ Rumi

from The Soul of Rumi 

translations by Coleman Barks