RUMI ON LOVE

[Guest guest]

FROM THE DIVAN

 

Love’s way is humility and intoxication,

The torrent floods down. How can it run up?

You’ll be a cabuchon in the ring of lovers,

If you’re a red ruby’s slave, dear friend ;

Even as Earth is a serf of the sapphire sky

And your monkey body’s a slave to your spirit.

 

What did Earth ever lose by this relationship ?

What mercy has the Self showed to weary limbs ?

One shouldn’t beat the snare drum of awakening

Beneath a cosy sofa’s, comfy counterpane.

 

Hoist, like a hero, your flag in the desert.

Listen with your soul’s ear to the song,

In that hollow of the vast turquoise dome,

Rising from the lover's passionate moan .

 

When your tight gown-strings are loosened

By the tipsy inebriation of perfect love,

The victorious heavens shout, triumphantly !

And the constellations gaze down ashamed.

This world is in deep trouble, from top to bottom,

But it can be swiftly healed by the balm of love .

 

 

 

Versified from the Nicholson Translation

by Alan Jacobs .