Preface to the Spiritual Couplets of Rumi

(c) Translation By Dr. Ali Arsanjani
These are the famous first 11 verses of the Spiritual Couplets of Rumi, the renowned
Listen to how this reed-flute complains
Of separations that have brought it painsSince they cut me from this bed of reeds
My cry has made men and women weepBring me a heart that was rent asunder in tears
If you want me to tell, the story you’re longing to hearAnyone who stays far from their source
Will seek reunion as a matter of courseI wailed with the pains of each community
I became soulmates with both the sad and happyEach one, from thoughts they had, my friend indeed
But none did seek the secrets within I keepMy secrets are not far from moans you hear
But they haven’t that light the eye and earBody and soul are not hidden from the other
Yet people don’t have the power of inner visionThe Breath in the flute is not wind but fire
Those who don’t have this fire, may expire.It’s the fire of love that dropped in the flute
It’s the bubbling of love that dropped into wineA companion of those parted from a friend
The flute, whose veil rends our veils asunder.