The Song of the Reed Flute by Mohammed Jalal al-Din Rumi

Listen to the reed flute’s lament of separation! Since I was severed from the reed bed, my lament has made men and women weep. All who are separated from their beloved understand what I say. They beheld a delicate thing.

All who are torn from their origin long to return to that with which they were once united. At every gathering I am present, among the sorrowful and among the joyful. My friend, if you but saw the cup of life.

My secret is not far from my melodies, but it is not something ordinary ears and eyes can grasp. The body is not hidden from the soul, and the soul is not hidden from the body. But it is not given to us to see the soul. To the cupbearer you would have entrusted the soul.

The song of the reed flute is fire, not wind! Whoever does not possess such fire is empty within. It is love that ignites between the notes, it is love that glows in the wine. You who pour the wine, please let me drink.

The reed flute is a friend to all who have been forsaken. Its song has torn asunder the veil that surrounds our hearts.