After Reading Rumi

... I felt the world open up
before my eager eyes.
A rusted gear from within,
began to crank without compensation.
An unexpressed thought,
that words could not describe,
but merely approximated
by divine decree.
A foreign emotion being made
familiar; the Tower or Babel being turned
on it's proverbial head.

I wanted to see it all at once,
the world that was just given,
but handed it back instead.
I treated what I learned
like a four-leaf clover.
May someone else pick it up again
and carry on with that fragment
of well wishes.
In the words of Rumi, today
I seek wisdom by becoming Somebody, 
compared to yesterday and my goals of cleverness.
The world could not be
changed by words alone...

... I rolled up my sleeves.



NOTE: Rumi was a famous poet in the thirteenth century. His work has inspired me quite a few times. I don't know if he was Christian or not, but there was a lot of wisdom in his poetry... I'd definitely recommend him!
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Salehi Avatar
March 19, 2016 at 9:36 PM
Hi Tim, wisdom is so relative! Rumi was Muslim. he is the father if Sufism , but it doesn't matter. He was seeking love. He said," anything but love upon this path is idolatry.. Other than light of thy union is doubtful oratory " . I did some thing sponsored by silent one called" Quote me Rumi". I wrote in a form of masnavi.. http://www.counterpunch.org/2008/06/10/rumi-and-sufism/
Hicks Avatar
March 20, 2016 at 11:36 PM
Thanks for leaving your thoughts, Pashang. And yes, I agree! Wisdom can come from any place and at any age ... only God knows the heart. I missed the contest, but I've read one or two poems that placed in it ... you are always very kind and thought provoking. Thank you for sharing what you know, and your encouragement :)
Chircop Avatar
May 26, 2013 at 3:22 PM
Rumi is one of my most favourite poets.Another poet i like is pablo neruda..Did you ever read his poems? Lovely tribute Timothy
Hicks Avatar
May 26, 2013 at 11:41 PM
Nope... but I will have to check him out! Thanks for stopping by...
Sirak Avatar
May 26, 2013 at 10:13 AM
Such wonderful wisdom, to keep what is good in the world out there circulating for others. I had not heard of Rumi, but am interested now. Thank you for your kind words for my poem, Melancholy Memory.
Hicks Avatar
May 26, 2013 at 11:40 PM
Happy to bring attention to him... thanks for reading me today :)
Manassian Avatar
May 26, 2013 at 1:28 AM
My dear Timothy...it is with great pride that I tell you that Rumi was PERSIAN! Yes!!! :) I was born in Tehran...modern day Iran! Persia is mentioned in the Bible..in fact, Cyrus the Great is said to be God's "anointed one". That's another story. Rumi was Moslem...of the Sufi sect. Very popular not only in our parts but in yours as well! :) This was the epitaph that speaks of the dead poet: When we are dead, seek not our tomb in the earth, but find it in the hearts of men! :) How you impress!
Hicks Avatar
May 26, 2013 at 8:51 AM
Ahhh Muslim... interesting! Well in whatever religion he belonged too it was obvious that he had a good heart. What an awesome epitaph... and great words to live up to.
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