Found poem: On reading Rumi, while not reading Rumi

September 3, 2021

I decided to tempt fate again and wait until Thursday to schedule my weekly blog. Here’s hoping the internet holds out.

I was talking to a friend recently about the 13th century Persian poet Rumi. She had never heard of him. In searching for something to show her, I found this old poem of my own that I had forgotten about. I guess it’s more a Spring poem (Everyone should write a Spring poem, said Louise Gluck), but it’s apropos because it’s timely.

Life Interferes with Reading Rumi

I want to read Rumi
But my cat believes this is the time to pet.
She’s batting paws on the page
Wet nose pushing against my fingers.

I want to read Rumi
But I hear the carpenter puttering in the garage
And a conversation must be had
about a broken window.

There are times to contemplate life’s mysteries
Times to reminisce about a blissful moment
Times to reflect on insight glimpsed
between pages, within pictures, inside symphonic movements.

That time is not today.
Leave the musty books indoors.
We will stroll to the river this pestering day
Hear the giggle of persistent water
Greet the greeny tree buds opening

And read Rumi.