Two Insomnias | Rumi Poem

This poem by Rumi is a reflection on love, presence, and longing. It reminds us that both joy and absence can awaken the same quiet light within the soul.

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

When I am with you,

We stay up all night.

When you are not here,

I can't go to sleep.

Praise God for these two insomnias,

And the difference between them.