Translation of a translation of a poem by Rumi
from a translation
by Coleman Barks
with John Moyne
If someone asks how the perfect cusp
of our lovelust
will look
lift your face
and say
Like this.
When someone mentions the star-sky grace
climb up on the roof
and dance and say,
Like this.
If anyone wants to know what essence is
or what’s the celestial
scent
lean your head in
Keep your face there
close.
Like this.
When someone seduces with an old poetic trope
with clouds gradually undraping the moon,
slowly
unknot by
knot the lace
of your robe.
Like this.
If anyone asks how Jesus lazarused the dead
don’t explain the miracle.
Kiss me on the lips.
Like this. Like this.
When someone questions die
for love — point
here.
If someone asks how tall I am, frown
count
the fingerspans between
the furrows of your forehead.
This tall.
Souls sometimes spiral bodies.
When someone doesn’t believe,
walk back into my house.
Like this.
When lovers moan
they sing our story.
Like this.
I am a sky — spirit filled.
Stare into this deep & blue,
as breezes susurrus a secret.
Like this.
When someone asks what to do,
ignite the candle in his hand.
Like this.
How did Joseph’s scent ascend to Jacob?
Huuuuu.
How did Jacob’s sight resee?
Huuuu.
A zephyr cleans the eye.
Like this.
When Sun returns from Tabriz,
he’ll peek his head just around the doorjamb
to surprise us
Like this.
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