A Sacred Blasphemy
Be off and know
That the way of lovers is opposite all other ways.
Lies from the Friend
Are better than truth and kindness from others.
For Him
The impossible is commonplace,
Punishment is reward,
Tyranny is justice,
Slander is the highest praise.
His harshness is soft,
His blasphemy is sacred.
The blood that drips from the Beloved's thorn
is sweeter than roses and basil.
When He's bitter
it's better than a candy-shop.
When He turns his head away
it's all hugs and kisses.
When He says, "By God, I've had enough of you!"
it's like an eternal spring
flowing from the fountain of life.
A "No" from his lips is a thousand times "Yes."
On this selfless path
He acts like a stranger
yet He's your dearest friend.
His infidelity is faith,
His stones are jewels,
His holding back is giving,
His ruthlessness is mercy.
You may laugh at me and say,
"The path you're on is full of curves!"
Yes, for the curve of His eyebrow
I have traded in my soul!
This curvy path has gotten me drunk,
I cannot say another word!
Carry on, my glorious heart,
finish the poem in silence . . .
O Shams, Lord of Tabriz,
What sweetness you pour upon me
All I need to is open my mouth
and all your songs flow out.
-- Translation by Jonathan Star
"Rumi - In the Arms of the Beloved"
Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam, New York 1997
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