Of Autumn and Roses

I sent this poem to Fahmida Riaz a few days ago to comfort her. Little did I know that there would be another death of a close one; and I had to read it again to console myself!

 Autumn Rose Elegy

You’ve gone to the secret world.
Which way is it?
You broke the cage and flew.
You heard the drum that calls you home.
You left this humiliating shelf,
This disorienting desert
Where we’re given wrong directions.
What use now a crown?
You’ve become the sun.
No need for a belt:
You’ve slipped out of your waist!
I have heard that near the end
You were eyes looking at soul.
No looking now.
You live inside the soul.
You’re the strange autumn rose
That led the winter wind in
By withering.
You’re rain soaking everywhere
From cloud to ground.
No bother of talking.
Flowing silence and sweet sleep
Beside the Friend

Rumi translated by Coleman Barks

November 15th, 2007
in Poetry, Rumi, Arts & Culture, All My Posts, World Writers, Sufi poetry, World Literature |

7 Responses to “ Of Autumn and Roses ”

1. # 1 Shaheryar Ali Says:
   November 15th, 2007 at 6:30 pm

   My sympathies, it seems to be a terrible autumn!!

   Mosam aya tu nikhel e daar pe Mir
   Sur e Mansoor ka hi baar aya–

2. # 2 Raj Says:
   November 16th, 2007 at 4:29 pm

   Rumi was always my favo .. he is like a rainbow with all the colors of this existence

3. # 3 sushma Says:
   November 16th, 2007 at 4:57 pm

   kavitaa bahut achchi hai, aur khabar bahut boorii.

   It might take many generations before we can get the intensity and honesty of Fahmeeda Riyaaz.

   my sympathy to all her fans.

   sushma

4. # 4 Adam Insaan Says:
   November 17th, 2007 at 3:24 pm

   When the sky rains in
   the droplets of memories (of one whom left)
   each tiny drop scaring the
   flesh and the vessels of the spirit
   -the heart beaten without being felt
   -the heart beating in those vessels of the spirit
   and all there is
   ……….the smell of each injury
   raising towards the sky
   testifying the cast shadow of the pain
   overwhelming the self to such an extent
   that the only moment felt
   is the awaiting of the next tornament
   of the droplet from the sky.

   by Adam Insaan , written just now after reading the sad message.

5. # 5 RR Says:
   November 17th, 2007 at 7:25 pm

   SA, Raj, Sushma and Adaam
   many thanks for the lovely messages. Well there have been two deaths in a row in my family that have shaken us all.

   Once such account can be read here:
   http://www.razarumi.com/tragedy-of-a-university-professor/

6. # 6 Irving Says:
   November 18th, 2007 at 12:36 am

   May Allah bless the souls of the two young men whom He took home so early in life, and may He ease the pain and grieving of their families. Ameen.

   I am so sorry, dear Brother, at the deaths in your family. You are all in my prayers.

   Ya Haqq!

7. # 7 sara Says:
   November 19th, 2007 at 5:12 am

   Nice. Good to have some other topic except politics and current affairs. Here I wd like to share some posts at:

   http://www.chowrangi.com/proper-skin-care-for-dry-skin.html

   http://www.chowrangi.com/10-ways-to-make-you-feel-happy.html

   http://www.chowrangi.com/current-fashion-trends-for-you.html

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