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Why does the soul not fly
when it hears the call?
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Why does the fish, gasping on land,
but near the water,
not move back into the sea?
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What keeps us from joining the dance
the dust particles do?
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Look at their subtle motions
in sunlight.
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We are out of our cages
with our wings spread,
yet we do not lift off.
We keep collecting rocks and broken bits
of pottery like children
pretending they are merchants.
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We should split the sack
Of this culture
And stick our heads out.
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Look around.
Leave your childhood.
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Reach your right hand up
and take this book from the air.
You do know right from left, don’t you?
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A voice speaks to your clarity.
Move into the moment of your death.
Consider what you truly want.
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Now call out commands yourself.
You are the king. Phrase your question,
and expect the grace of an answer.
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~ Rumi
from Rumi: Bridge to the Soul
translated by Coleman Barks
photo by albert koetsier
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