The Creek And The Stars | Rumi Poem

The manifest world moves by, held in the witness, stars reflecting in the night creek. There is a natural motion to the way of love, as well as the passionate still points. The mystery of the witness is there’s no experience involved, nor anything one does or feels, just the background of a quiet, interstellar absence.

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 Leo Visions.
Translation by Coleman Barks.

Transcript

Spirit is so mixed with the visible world, That giver, Gift and beneficiary are one thing. You are the grace raining down. The grace is you. Creation is a clear, Flat, Fast-moving creek where qualities reflect. Generations rush by while the stars stay still without a splash. When you lose your appetite for food, You will be given other nourishment. There is well-being that is not bodily and beings that live on fragrance. Don't worry about losing animal energy. Go the way of love and ask provisions. Love more the star region reflected, Less the moving medium.