Changing forms

This one is for myself.

There are days the pain is acute. It feels like something gets ripped open and old, forgotten feelings are coming up, like vermin, to cloud the soul. Who knew they were here to begin with, who knew they had to wait until today before they broke open from their hiding place.

No-one is a piece of rock or steel.  The stories of our lives have left their marks and they too want to be recognised, come to the light of day and – dissolve.

Sooner or later they will. Until then, a little lamenting eases the ordeal. It’s actually a laugh…and that  helps greatly too

How long
can I lament
with this depressed
heart and soul

how long
can I remain
a sad autumn
ever since my grief
has shed my leaves

the entire space
of my soul
is burning in agony

how long can I
hide the flames
wanting to rise
out of this fire

how long can one suffer
the pain of hatred
of another human
a friend behaving like an enemy

with a broken heart
how much more
can I take the message
from body to soul

I believe in love
I swear by love
believe me my love

how long
like a prisoner of grief
can I beg for mercy

you know I’m not
a piece of rock or steel
but hearing my story
even water will become
as tense as a stone

if I can only recount
the story of my life
right out of my body
flames will grow

From: Rumi ” Fountain of Fire”
Translated by nader Khalili