We are the night ocean filled
with glints of light. We are the space
between the fish and the moon,
while we sit here together.

Ode 314
Those who don’t feel this Love
pulling them like a river,
those who don’t drink dawn
like a cup of spring water
or take in sunset like supper,
those who don’t want to change,
let them sleep.
This Love is beyond the study of theology,
that old trickery and hypocrisy.
I you want to improve your mind that way,
sleep on.
I’ve given up on my brain.
I’ve torn the cloth to shreds
and thrown it away.
If you’re not completely naked,
wrap your beautiful robe of words
around you,
and sleep.
What is it to praise?
Make yourself particles.
What is it to know something of God?
Burn inside that presence. Burn up.
Copper melts in the healing exlixir.
So melt your self in the mixture.
that sustains existence.
You tighten your two hands together,
Determined not to give up saying “I” and “we.”
This tightening blocks you.
I recently unearthed my “Rumi” book from college and the page with this poem was marked. This poem is as perfect now as it was to me 14 years ago when I marked the page. I hope you enjoy this poem as much as I do.
Quietness
Inside this new love, die.Your way begins on the other side.
Become the sky.
Take an axe to the prison wall.
Escape.
Walk out like someone finally born into color.
Do it now.
You’re covered with thick cloud.
Slide out the side. Die,
and be quiet. Quietness is the surest sign
that you’ve died.
Your old life was a frantic running
from silence.
The speechless full moon
comes out now.