I was dead, then I became alive. I was weeping, then laughing.
The force of love arrived, and I became everlasting fortune.
Now my eye is content, my soul courageous,
"With the bravery of a lion I shine like Venus."

He said, "You're not mad enough for us."
I became so crazy I was tied up in chains.
"You're not drunken enough for us. Go home!"
I became so drunk I was filled with mirth.
"You haven't lost yourself completely yet."
I collapsed and died before his life-giving face.
"You're just a clever little man drunk on fancies and doubts."
I became an idiot, completely witless and out of touch with everyone.

He said, "You've become the candle—the qibla of the group."
I'm not the candle, I'm less than its scattered smoke!
"You're the Shaikh now — our new leader."
I'm not a master, I'm the slave of your command.
He said, "You've already got wings, I wont give you any more."
Out of desire for his wings I tore apart my own.
New Fortune said, "Suffer the trials of the path no more.
Out of love and compassion I'll make the journey to you."
Old Love told me, "Don't move from my embrace!"
I said, "Okay," and remained motionless.

You are the fountain of the sun, I'm the shade of the willow.
When you strike my head, I bend and start melting.
My heart became radiant, expanded then split apart.
It wove a new satin robe, I threw away these old rags.
At dawn the form of my soul kept strutting about in exultation;
I was a donkey-keeper — look at me now a noble lord!

The black earth gives thanks for the circling of the heavens,
"Because of its gaze and continual revolving I can receive light."
The heavens give thanks for the King, His dominion and angels,
"His generous bestowing makes me bright and illuminating."
The Sufi gives thanks that we've excelled all others,
"I've become a shining star above the seven heavens."

I was Venus, I became the moon — now I'm the entire sky.
I was Joseph, now I bring forth other beautiful Josephs.
I'm part of you, 0 Illustrious Moon. Look at me and yourself.Because of
your smile I've become a laughing rosegarden.
Be silent like a chess-piece - your actions will then speak for you,
The face of the King of the World has made me so fortunate.


* Translated by Jawid Mojaddedi from Rumi's "DIWAN-I SHAMS"




Close this window