Rumi’s Little Book of Life
Selected poems translated by Maryam Mafi and Azima Melita Kolin. It was difficult to choose just four from the more than 200 poems in this particular collection. Rumi writes beautifully of peace, love, unity, and respect. It’s wonderful to think that a 13th Century scholar and poet can bring to life knowledge that is still hard to fathom in our modern age, and do it with such beauty and clarity. Perhaps not surprising really, since the knowledge spoken of here is something that has to be earned, not something that can simply be handed to you. The most poignant aspect to Rumi’s writing is his confidence in the power of love to transform human lives. Something desperately needed today.
I love this poem because it gives me strength. We are living through a very tough time. I never expected my generation would have to deal with the fallout from spectacularly poor leadership. Leadership that is reeking havoc around the globe. This poem gives me encouragement.
Separation bends the back of hope
cruelty ties the hands of longing
yet the lover never despairs.
For a committed heart
everything is possible.
This poem grounds me. It helps me see the true priorities of life.
Who would write on a page already filled with writings?
Who would plant a sapling where one is already planted?
One would look for an empty page and virgin soil.
Become bare like the earth so the Beloved
may plant His seed, become a blank page
so His pen may write upon you.
This poem reminds me of the importance of love and its power. It speaks to the power that understanding of the Devine brings to the individual.
He who is not captured by Love
is like a wingless bird.
What understanding can he have of the world
without knowing the Knower?
In love with himself, he is easily lured astray
with no courage to embark on the path.
The Beloved is the guardian of the gate
that only He can open.
Those unable to pass are robbed of their essence.
Dawn may come, but they remain asleep,
while in our sky, the sun never sets nor rises.
A reminder to open your eyes and see beyond your desires.
I stole a glance from You and my eyes
became longing and wistful.
I heard one word from Your lips and
my ears deafened to the world.
But my friend, if you have not had this experience
you are excused to be entangled in this world.