What a fine, broad kingdom

Another fine poem by Rumi – translation followed by the original

In the world there are invisible ladders,

leading step by step to the summit of heaven.

There is a different ladder for every group,

a different heaven for every path.

Each one is ignorant of the other’s condition in this wide kingdom which

has no end or beginning.

This one is amazed at that one and wonders why he is happy,

while that one is astonished at this one and asks why he is amazed.

God’s earth is spacious*: every tree springs up from a certain soil.

The leaves and boughs sing thanks to God:

“What a fine, broad kingdom.”

The nightingales hover around the fruiting blossom,

calling, “Give us some of what you drink.”

This discourse has no end.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nardobân-hâyist penhân dar jahân

pâyeh pâyeh tâ `enân-e âsmân

Har goroh-râ nardobâni digarast

har ravesh-râ âsmâni digarast

Har yeki azhâl-e digar bi khabar

molk bâ pahnâ o bi pâyân o sar

In dar ân hayrân keh u chist khvosh

va ân darin khireh keh hayrat chistesh

Sahn-e Ard Allâh wâsi`* âmadeh

har derakhti az zamini sar zadeh

Bar derakhtân shokr guyân barg o shâkh

keh “Zehi molk o zehi `arseh-ye farâkh”

Bolbolân gerd-e shekufeh par gereh

keh “Az âncheh mi khvori mâ-râ be-deh”

In sokhan pâyân na-dârad kon roju`

su-ye ân rubâh o shir o soqm o ju`

– Mathnawi V: 2556-2563

Version by Camille and Kabir Helminski

“Rumi: Jewels of Remembrance”

Threshold Books, 1996

(Persian transliteration courtesy of Yahyá Monastra)

Courtesy – Sunlight group

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