A Response to Rumi

Not Here

– by Rumi –

There’s courage involved if you want
–         to become truth
There is a broken-open place in a lover.

Where are those qualities of bravery and
–         and sharp compassion?
What’s the use of old and frozen thought?

I want a howling hurt.
This is not a treasury where gold is stored;
–         this is for copper.

We alchemists look for talent that can heat
–         up and change.
Lukewarm won’t do.

Half-hearted holding back, well-enough
–         getting by?
Not here.

–

Not Me

– by Barbara Heagy –

Oh, Rumi,
I do not want to hear this right now.
Don’t speak to me about bravery and sharp
–         compassion.
I have had howling hurt
And it sucks.

I have stood strong and full of courage
“Turn and face the lions,” I said.
But the lions’ roaring pains my eardrums,
Their carnivorous breath makes me faint.
Their enormous, overpowering size tires me
–         as I pace the cage with them.

Copper and gold are not for me.
I have accumulated a treasure house of such
–         so-called riches.
Give me sun.
Give me breath.
God, give me pastrami.
Anything but more of your precious metals.

I am not half-hearted.
I am empty-hearted
Facing your sizzling ovens
–         that shape the soul.

Empty-hearted, holding back,
I am now just well-enough and getting by.

Your challenge has depleted me,
Frozen my thoughts into debilitating ideas
–         of “I can do this.
–         –         This will be good for me.”

Well, F’ you, Rumi.
I walk away from this challenge.
I’ve given at the office, thank you.