A Gift
how the perfect satisfaction
of all our sexual wanting will look,
lift your face and say,
like this.
When someone mentions the gracefulness of the night sky,
climb up 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 her or him
keep your face there close,
like this.
When someone quotes the old poetic image
about clouds gradually uncovering the moon,
slowly lossen 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.
When someone asks what it means to "die for love,"
point here.
It someone asks how tall I am, frown and
measure with your fingers the space between
the creases on your forehead.
The soul sometimes leaves the body,
then returns.
When someone doesn't believe,
walk back into my house.
Like this.
When lovers moan
they're telling our story.
Like this.
I am a 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 her 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.
Huuuuu.
And when Shams comes back from Tabriz,
he'll put just his head around the edge of the door
to surprise us,
like this.
Mevlana Jelauddin Rumi was a prolific Sufi poet
who spun around the earth over 800 years ago.
"Your essence is hidden in dust.
To reveal its splendor
you need to burn in the fire of love."
