Ghazal 395, Jelaluddin Rumi
LOVE RESIDES not in learning*
not in knowledge
not in pages and pamphlets
Wherever the debates of men may lead
that is not the lovers’ path
Love’s branches arch over pre-eternity
and yes, its roots delve down forever
A tree resting not on soil
nor trunk
nor even Heaven’s throne
We deposed reason,
punished passion with the lash —
this reason and these morals
were degrading to such glory
It’s like this:
So long as you long
you idolize longing.
Become the beloved
and put an end to longing
The incessant hopes and fears
of the sea-faring man
float upon planks;
but obliterate
both planks and seaman
and only submersion remains
