….if you are a man of this life

if you are a man of this life
then march on this path like a man
or retire and take refuge in your house
since you’re not ready for this battle

real men drank a thousand seas and
still died of thirst
you only had a cup
yet boasted of overflowing

you claimed to reach your quest
you’ll raise all the dust
yet you’ve travelled no distance
you’ve left no mark

now humbly turn to dust
under the gallop of real men
then you’ll rise and
become a part of their journey

if you crawl for years
on the path of your quest
do not yield to grief
do not submit to distress

RumiÂ

Translated by Nader Khalili

Irving Says:
November 23rd, 2006 at 5:57 pm
How true the words of Rumi. One must cross two thousand fiery mountains and two thousand perilous seas to reach the Court of Glory, according to Othman. Allh knows the truth.

Ya Haqq!
errantking Says:
November 23rd, 2006 at 9:43 pm
Nothing less than marvelous.
rama Says:
November 29th, 2006 at 9:21 am
Hullo! I’m back to blog-reading after a spell of travel. Trust all goes well! Best, rama
nail 'em up! Says:
November 30th, 2006 at 5:07 pm
Thanks for this! I really appreciate, you gave me some hope coz i was in so depressed and distressed! I have to Nail em up!!
jugnoo Says:
December 4th, 2006 at 1:58 pm
Excellent post & very deep words