world of soul (rumi)

 

At last you have departed and gone to the Unseen.

What marvelous route did you take from this world

Beating your wings and feathers

you broke free from this cage

Rising up to the sky

you attained the world of the soul

You were a prized falcon

       trapped by an Old Woman

Then you heard the drummer’s call

and flew beyond space and time.

As a lovesick nightingale, you flew among the owls.

Then came the scent of the rose garden

and you flew off to meet the Rose.

The wine of this fleeting world

caused your head to ache.

Finally you joined the tavern of eternity.

Like an arrow, you sped from the bow

and went straight for the bull’s eye of bliss.

This phantom world gave you false signs

But you turned from the illusion

and journeyed to the land of truth.

You are now the Sun –

what need have you for a crown?

You have vanished from this world –

what need have you to tie your robe?

I’ve heard that you can barely see your soul.

But why look at all? –

yours is now the soul of souls!

O heart, what a wonderful bird you are.

Seeking divine heights,

Flapping your wings,

you smashed the pointed spears 

 of your enemy.

The flowers flee from autumn, but not you 

You are the fearless rose

that grows amidst the freezing wind.

Pouring down like the rain of heaven

you fell upon the rooftop of this world.

Then you ran in every direction

and escaped through the drain spout  

Now the words are over

and the pain they bring is gone.

Now you have gone to rest

in the arms of the beloved. 

rumi   

– In the Arms of the Beloved”, Jonathan Star

New York 1997