Like This

If anyone asks you about the huris, show your face, say:
like this!

If anyone asks you about the moon, climb up on the roof, say:
like this!

If anyone seeks a fairy, let them see your countenance,
If anyone talks about the aroma of musk, untie your hair [and] say:
like this!

If anyone asks: “How do the clouds uncover the moon?” untie the front of
Your robe, knot by knot, say:
like this!

If anyone asks: “How did Jesus raise the dead?” kiss me on the lips, say:
like this!

If anyone asks: What are those killed by love like?” direct him to me, say:
like this!

If anyone kindly asks you how tall I am, show him your arched eyebrows,
say: like this!

As translated from Rumi’s Divan by Fatemeh Keshavarz.

This poem was originally read by Fatemeh Keshavarz in the On Being episode “The Ecstatic Faith of Rumi.”

Reflections