Nothing but a figure of clay
Wealth has no permanence: it comes in the morning,
and at night it is scattered to the winds.
Physical beauty too has no importance,
for a rosy face is made pale by the scratch of a single thorn.
Noble birth also is of small account,
for many become fools of money and horses.
Many a nobleman’s son has disgraced his father by his wicked deeds.
Don’t court a person full of talent either,
even if he seems exquisite in that respect:
take warning from the example of Iblis.
Iblis had knowledge, but since his love was not pure,
he saw in Adam nothing but a figure of clay.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Version by Camille and Kabir Helminski
“Rumi: Jewels of Remembrance”
November 8th, 2007
in
Poetry, Love, Rumi, Arts & Culture, All My Posts, World Writers, Sufi poetry, World Literature, Sufism |
November 8th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
An excellent reminder from Rumi’s lovely poem. There is nothing that is lasting except Allah.
Ya Haqq!
November 9th, 2007 at 6:56 am
The last shot: Al Pacino looks directly at the camera and says,
“Vanity is definitely my favourite sin.”
The credits start rolling.
The Devil’s Advocate (1997).
November 10th, 2007 at 5:05 am
Very deep and thought provoking! Keep englighting us!