Spiritual poetry

You may or may not know that one of my great loves is reading and sometimes attempting to write poetry. I have decided to include some of my favorite poetry selections on my blog for you to read and reflect upon, and perhaps from time to time I will risk including some of my own work. I have found that my personal reflection upon prose has proven to not only help me rest and relax but it has also jolted my soul and spirit into a deeper understanding of God. I hope that in some way reading these selections will be of some benefit to you. Much of what I will include will be from the medieval poet Jelaluddin Rumi. Below is my first selection and one of my favorite Rumi poems; "The Music We Are."

Did you hear that winter's over? The basil
and the carnation cannot control their
laughter. The nightingale back from his
wandering has been made singing master
over the birds. The trees reach out their
congratulations. The soul goes dancing
through the king's doorway. Anemones blush
because they have seen the rose naked.

Spring, the only fair judge, walks in the
courtroom, and several December thieves steal
away. Last year's miracles will soon be
forgotten, New creatures whirl in from non-
existence, galaxies scattered around their
feet. Have you met them? Do you hear the
bud of Jesus crooning in the cradle? A single
narcissus flower has been appointed Inspector
of Kingdoms.

A feast is set. Listen, the wind is pouring wine!
Love used to hide inside images, no more!
The orchard hangs out its lanterns.
The dead come stumbling by in shrouds.
Nothing can stay bound or be imprisoned.
You say "End this poem here,
and wait for what's next" I will. Poems
are rough notations for the music we are.
-- Jelaluddin Rumi