Like This

If anyone asks you
how the perfect satisfaction
of all sexual wanting
will look, lift your face
and say,
Like this.

When someone mentions the gracefulness
of the nightsky, climb on the roof
and dance and say,
Like this?

If anyone wants to know what "spirit" is,
or what "God's fragrance" means,
lean your head toward him or her.
Keep your face there close.
Like this.

When someone quotes the old poetic image
about clouds gradually uncovering the moon,
slowly loosen knot by knot the strings
of your robe.
Like this?

If anyone wonders how Jesus raised the dead,
don't try to explain the miracle.
Kiss me on the lips.
Like this. Like this.

Whe someone asks what it means
to "die for love,"point
here.

If someone asks how tall I am, frown
and measure with your fingers the space
between the creases on your forehead.
This tall.

The soul sometimes leaves the body, then returns.
When someone doesn't believe that,
walk back into my house.
Like this.

When lovers moan,
they're telling our story.
Like this.

I am the sky where spirits live.
Stare into this deepening blue,
while the breeze says a secret.
Like this.

When someone asks what there is to do,
light the candle in his hand.
Like this

How did Joseph's scent come to Jacob?
Huuuuu.

How did Jacob's sight return?
Huuuuu.

A little wind cleans the eyes.
Like this

When Shams comes back from Tabriz,
he'll put his head around the edge
of the door to surprize us.
Like this.

Jelaluddin Balkhi--known to us as the poet Rumi, was born late September 1207. He died mid December 1273. I was introduced to Rumi's work 5 years ago by a now former friend. It has been my habit, when betrayed by someone dear to me, to give up the things I associated with the erstwhile friend --avoiding painful reminders. It is a stupid practice that lead me to stop practicing a number of arts/disciplines when relationships ended badly. Rumi broke the habit for me-- I could not banish the words of the poet, despite the painful association. I hope one day to understand his words from the inside out.

....and now, for something (not all that) completely different....http://www.rathergood.com/moon_song/