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

7 Responses to “Of Autumn and Roses”

  1. Shaheryar Ali Says:

    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. Raj Says:

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

  3. sushma Says:

    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. Adam Insaan Says:

    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. RR Says:

    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. Irving Says:

    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!

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