room for counting

[Guest guest]

XXX

In the world of Oneness

there is nothing but yourself,

there is no room for counting.

But in the world of things

there is so much counting.

You may count a thousand apples in your hand -

If you want them all to be one,

make applesauce.

You may count a thousand grapes in your hand -

If you want the precious wine

crush them all together.

 

The message behind the words

is the voice of the heart.

The source of all activity

is that utter stillness.

 

Now Shams-e Tabriz is in the royal seat

and all my rhymes

have lined up like willing slaves.

 

-- Version by Jonathan Star

" Rumi - In the Arms of the Beloved "

Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam, New York 1997