Break Our Harp
1240
(Go ahead and) break our harp, O lofty one, (for) thousands of other harps exist here!
Since we have fallen into the talons of Love, what (does it matter)
to us (if) harp and reed-pipe are scarce?!
Even if (all) the lutes and harps of the world are burned up, there is
many a hidden harp (remaining), O friend!
Its strumming and melody have gone (up) to the heavens, although
it doesn’t come into the ears of the deaf.
Even if (all) the lamps and candles of the world are put out, what
sorrow (is that)!– since (flint) stone and iron exist (very) securely!
1245
Songs are (mere) straw (floating) on the sea; no pearl will
come to the surface of the ocean.
But know (that) the grace of the straw (is) from the pearl– for the
reflection of its reflected gleam is (also shining) upon us!
Songs are entirely (just) a branch of the yearning for union– (and)
branch and root are not at all equal.
(So) close your mouth and open the window of (your) heart, and
by that way be talking with the spirits!
Web Source: Dar – al – Masnavi – Also contains helpful notes on these translations
–From The Dîwân-é Kabîr (also known as “Kulliyat-é Shams” and
“Dîwân-é Shams-é Tabrîz”) of Jalaluddin Rumi.
Translated from the Persian by Ibrahim Gamard, 1/99
© Ibrahim Gamard (translation, footnotes, & transliteration)
First published on “Sunlight” (yahoogroups.com), 2/1/00 (revised,
9/01)
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