Rumi: Haven't I Told You?

By Jalal Eddin el Rumi (1207-1273)

Translated by Tatul Sonentz

Haven’t I told you

not to go there,

since I am your family – me,

the only fountain of vivacity

in this ephemeral world?

And even if you managed, in a rage,

to cover a hundred thousand years’ range

away from me towards eternity,

I shall still be your point of return,

for I am your destiny.

Haven’t I told you

not to be

mollified by mundane designs,

for I am the one who depicts

the birthing center

of your beatitude?

Haven’t I told you

I am the sea,

you, the fish,

not to ever dehydrate

for I am your limpid water?

Haven’t I told you

“Avoid –

the nets that snare birds –

come to me, source of the force

of your flight, your wings,

your steps?”

Haven’t I told you:

“Let them

isolate you,

to discourage you –

I am the fire, the radiance,

the heat

that you breathe?”

Haven’t I told you

of your

ugly looks hidden within you?

Disconnect yourself,

for I am

the source of your qualities.

If the light is in your heart

you’ll know where your house is,

and if you are loyal to God,

I am your very soul –

believe it!

……………. Jalal Eddin el Rumi (1207-1273)

Translated by Tatul Sonentz

From the French translation by Sylvie M. Miller

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Tatul Sonentz-Papazian

Tatul Sonentz-Papazian is the former editor of the Armenian Review and director of the ARF and First Republic of Armenia Archives, based in Watertown, Mass. He has been a contributor to the Armenian Weekly for over 50 years. He currently directs the Publications Department of the Armenian Relief Society.