Begin | Rumi Poem

This poem by Rumi is about seizing the present moment. It hints on mindfulness and the discovery of deeper insight within the now. Through simple yet meaningful imagery, the poem guides us toward inner renewal. It invites us to find wisdom in the present.

Mawlana Jalaluddin Mohammad Balkhi, popularly known as "Rumi", is a 13th-century Sufi poet. Today, he is recognised as one of the greatest poets who ever lived, due in part to how his words seem to speak to the Divine.

Photo by JC Fox.
Translation by Coleman Barks.

Transcript

This is now.

Now is.

Don't postpone till then.

Spend the spark of iron on stone.

Sit at the head of the table.

Dip your spoon in the bowl.

Seat yourself next to your joy and have your awakened soul pour wine.

Branches in the spring wind.

Easy dance of jasmine and cypress.

Cloth for green robes has been cut from pure absence.

You are the tailor,

Settled among his shop goods.

Quietly sowing.