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On Love
![Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi, Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi poetry, Muslim / Sufi, Muslim / Sufi poetry, poetry, [TRADITION SUB2] poetry, poetry](images/RumiMevla_sm.jpg) |
by Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi
(1207 - 1273) Timeline
English version by Alan Jacobs (versified from the Nicholson translation)
Original Language Persian/Farsi
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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 .
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