Rumi - "I have circled awhile..."

Listen to  I have circled awhile with the nine fathers

"I have circled awhile with the nine Fathers in each heaven.
For years I have turned with the stars in their signs.
I was invisible awhile, I was dwelling with Him...

I am the pangs of the jealous, I am the pain of the sick.
I am both cloud and rain: I have rained on the meadows.
Never did the dust of mortality settle on my skirt, O dervish!
I have gathered a wealth of roses in the garden of Eternity.
I am not of water nor fire, I am not of the froward wind,
I am not of moulded clay: I have mocked at them all.
O son, I am not Shams-i Tabrizi, I am pure Light.
If you see me, beware! Don't tell anyone what you saw!"

This is one of two poems by Mevlana - Jelaluddin Rumi - read by Bulent, from the soundtrack of the film "Turning". The translation is based on that by R.A. Nicholson in "Rumi - Poet and Mystic". Turning can now be obtained on DVD from Beshara Publications.

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