like this

  

.

If anyone asks you

how the perfect satisfaction

of all our longing

will look, lift your face

and say,

Like this.

When someone mentions the gracefulness

of the night sky, climb up on the roof

and dance and say,

Like this?

If anyone wants to know what "spirit" is,

or what "God's fragrance" means,

lean your head toward him or her.

Keep your face there close,

Like this.

When someone quotes the old adage

about clouds gradually uncovering the moon,

slowly loosen knot by knot the strings

of your robe,

Like this?

If anyone wonders how Jesus raised the dead,

don't try to explain the miracle.

Kiss me on the lips,

Like this. Like this.

When someone asks what it means

to "die for love," point

here.

If someone asks how tall I am, frown

and measure with your fingers the space

between the creases on your forehead.

This tall.

The soul sometimes leaves the body, then returns.

When someone doesn't believe that,

walk back into my house.

Like this.

I am a sky where spirits live.

Stare into this deepening blue,

While the breeze says a secret.

Like this.

When someone asks what there is to do,

light the candle in his hand.

Like this.

—Rumi
Coleman Barks version, excerpt

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