Bismillah

Ghazal 1523


i am no lion
to overpower my enemies
winning over myself
if i can
is enough

though i'm of lowly earth
since i nourish a seed
named love
i'll grow
lilies of the field

when i'm pitch-black
lamenting separation
i know for sure
i will break through
spreading light on the dark night

i am on fire inside
but look grim outside
since i want to rise
like smoke through my cell

i am a child
whose teacher is love
surely my master
won't let me grow
to be a fool

"RUMI, Fountain of Fire"
Poetic translation March 1991 by Nader Khalili
Burning Gate Press, Los Angeles, 1994



Next Ghazal



animated divider

homeDivan-e ShamsFihi Ma FihiMasnaviAcknowledgements
TranslatorsLovers & FriendsContactAbout Rumiverserumi ring button
awards buttonlinks buttonweb ring button


allah tiny calligraphy bulletallah tiny calligraphy bulletallah tiny calligraphy bulletallah tiny calligraphy bulletallah tiny calligraphy bulletallah tiny calligraphy bulletallah tiny calligraphy bulletallah tiny calligraphy bulletallah tiny calligraphy bulletallah tiny calligraphy bullet

Sufi web set courtesy of: Crystal Cloud Graphicssmall bulletElysiumGates.com Webhost