Dance | Rumi Poem

This poem contemplates awakening through struggle and surrender. It speaks of dancing through every moment, in pain, in healing, in the quiet center of conflict. It reminds us that even our wounds can open the way to freedom, and that the soul’s true dance begins when we let go and move with the rhythm of spirit.

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.

Translation by Coleman Barks.

Transcript

Dance when you are broken open.

Dance if you've torn the bandage off.

Dance in the middle of the fighting.

Dance in your blood.

Dance when you are perfectly free.