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Rumi for Roomies

by Greg Walker

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1.
May these vows and this marriage be blessed.
    May it be sweet milk,
    this marriage, like wine and halvah.
    May this marriage offer fruit and shade
    like the date palm.
    May this marriage be full of laughter,
    our every day a day in paradise.
    May this marriage be a sign of compassion,
    a seal of happiness here and hereafter.
    May this marriage have a fair face and a good name,
    an omen as welcomes the moon in a clear blue sky.
    I am out of words to describe
    how spirit mingles in this marriage.
2.
'Tis said, the pipe and lute that charm our ears
    Derive their melody from rolling spheres;
    But Faith, o'erpassing speculation's bound,
    Can see what sweetens every jangled sound.
 
    We, who are parts of Adam, heard with him
    The song of angels and of seraphim.
    Our memory, though dull and sad, retains
    Some echo still of those unearthly strains.
 
    Oh, music is the meat of all who love,
    Music uplifts the soul to realms above.
    The ashes glow, the latent fires increase:
    We listen and are fed with joy and peace.
3.
Sometimes you hear a voice through the door 
calling you, as fish out of water
 hear the waves, or a hunting falcon
 hears the drums 
Come back. Come back.  
This turning toward what you deeply love 
saves you. Read the book of your life,
 which has been given you.
 
 A voice comes to your soul saying,
 Lift your foot. Cross over.
 
 Move into emptiness 
of question and answer and question.
4.
Be with those who help your being.
 Don't sit with indifferent people, whose breath
 comes cold out of their mouths.
 Not these visible forms, your work is deeper.
  
A chunk of dirt thrown in the air breaks to pieces.
 If you don't try to fly,
 and so break yourself apart,
 you will be broken open by death,
 when it's too late for all you could become.
 
 Leaves get yellow. The tree puts out fresh roots 
and makes them green.
 Why are you so content with a love that turns you yellow?
5.
This being human is a guest house.
 Every morning a new arrival. 
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
 Some momentary awareness comes
 As an unexpected visitor.
 Welcome and entertain them all! 
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
 Who violently sweep your house
 Empty of its furniture,
 Still, treat each guest honorably.
 He may be clearing you out
 For some new delight.
 The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
 Meet them at the door laughing, 
And invite them in.
 Be grateful for whoever comes,
 Because each has been sent,
 As a guide from beyond.
6.
There is some kiss we want with 
 our whole lives, the touch of 
 
 spirit on the body. Seawater
 begs the pearl to break its shell.
 
 And the lily, how passionately 
it needs some wild darling! At
 
night, I open the window and ask
 the moon to come and press its
 
face against mine. Breathe into
 me. Close the language-door and
 
open the window of love. The moon
 won't use the door, only the window.
7.
Lose yourself, 
Lose yourself in this love.
 When you lose yourself in this love,
 you will find everything.
 
 Lose yourself,
 Lose yourself.
 Do not fear this loss,
 For you will rise from the earth
 and embrace the endless heavens.
 
 Lose yourself,
 Lose yourself. 
Escape from this earthly form,
 For this body is a chain
 and you are its prisoner.
 Smash through the prison wall
 and walk outside with the kings and princes.
 
 Lose yourself, 
Lose yourself at the foot of the glorious King. When you lose yourself 
before the King
 you will become the King.
 
 Lose yourself,
 Lose yourself.
 Escape from the black cloud
 that surrounds you.
 Then you will see your own light 
as radiant as the full moon.
  
Now enter that silence. 
This is the surest way
 to lose yourself . 
What is your life about, anyway?— 
Nothing but a struggle to be someone,
 Nothing but a running from your own silence.

about

this is a wedding gift for Roy and his new roomie.

congrats and universal blessings, friends!

credits

released November 26, 2019

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all rights reserved

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about

Greg Walker Baltimore, Maryland

Indie rock, in the tradition of David Bazan, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Daniel Johnston, with a love for literature and lo fi music. Stays busy creating, so check back often.

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