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"Would You Bow?"
If the Friend rose inside you, would you
bow? Would you wonder where that one
came from and how? If you say, "I will
bow," that's important. If you answer,
"But can I be sure?" it will keep the
meeting from happening, as busy people
rush there and back here, murmuring, Now
I know; no, I don't know now. Have you
seen a camel with its eyes covered turn
and walk one way, then turn another?
Be silent and revolve with no will.
Don't raise your hand to ask anything.
Holy one, sitting in the body's well
like Joseph, a rope is there in front
of you. Lift your hand to that! A
blind man has bought you for eighteen
counterfeit coins. Empty metal cups
bang together, and the full moon slides
out of hiding. Make one sound, please!
You are the precious hyacinth that the
sickle will spare, not the wheat plant
Adam ate. I remind you with these poems
to dress in the flower of God's qualities,
not your torn robe of self-accusation.
--Rumi (translated by Coleman Barks)
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