The Naked Sun

Those who live in Union become pregnant
with the feelings and words of invisible forms!
Their amazed mouths open. Their eyes withdraw.
Children are born of the illumination.
We say "born," but that's not right.
It only points to a new understanding.
Be quiet and let the Master of Speech talk.
Don't try to dress up your own nightingale-song to sell to this Rose!
Be all ear. This pregnancy! So subtle and delicious,
the way ice in July reminds us of winter,
the way fruit in January tells of summer generosity.
That's how the naked Sun embraces all the orchard-brides at once.

~ Rumi - Mathnawi VI, 1810-1822
Version by Coleman Barks, from a translation by John Moyne
"This Longing" Threshold, 1988


As I Am,

Mzie