Ghazal of Rumi

I was dead, then alive.

Weeping, then laughing.

The power of love came into me,

and I became fierce like a lion,

then tender like the evening star.

He said, ‘You’re not mad enough.

You don’t belong in this house.’

I went wild and had to be tied up.

He said, ‘Still not wild enough

to stay with us!’

I broke through another layer

into joyfulness.

He said, ‘Its not enough.’

I died.