2023 February 2: Shadow and Light Source Both

Shadow and Light Source Both

~ by Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks

How does a part of the world leave the world?

How does wetness leave water? Don’t try to

put out fire by throwing on more fire! Don’t

wash a wound with blood. No matter how fast

you run, your shadow keeps up. Sometimes it’s

in front! Only full overhead sun diminishes

your shadow. But that shadow has been serving

you. What hurts you, blesses you. Darkness is

your candle. Your boundaries are your quest.

I could explain this, but it will break the

glass cover on your heart, and there’s no

fixing that. You must have shadow and light

source both. Listen, and lay your head under

the tree of awe. When from that tree feathers

and wings sprout on you, be quieter than

a dove. Don’t even open your mouth for even a coo.

From Rumi: The Big Red Book, translation by Coleman Barks

 

***

Return to Thoughtful Thursday Poetry Corner