Jelaluddin Rumi
    translated by Coleman Barks

    ~*~

    Konya, Turkey - 13th Century
    (born in Balkh, Afghanistan)

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    All day I think about it,
    Then at night I say it.
    Where did I come from,
    And what am I supposed to be doing?
    I have no idea.
     

    My soul is from elsewhere,
    I'm sure of that,
    And I intend to end up there.
    This drunkeness began in some other tavern.
    When I get back around to that place,
    I'll be completely sober.
     

    Meanwhile, I'm like a bird from another continent,
    Sitting in this aviary.
    The day is coming when I fly off,
    But who is it now in my ear,
    Who hears my voice?
    Who says words with my mouth?
    Who looks out with my eyes?
    What is the soul?
    I cannot stop asking.
     

    If I could taste one sip of an answer,
    I could break out of this prison for drunks.
    I didn't come her of my own accord,
    And I can't leave that way.
    Whoever brought me here
    Will have to take me home.

    ~*~

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