How to Write a Poem
(Referring to Mevlana Rumi’s ‘Call of the Reed’ from his Masnevi)
Your want to write poetry? Read,
Again, and again, about the reed.
Find the reed-bed, inside your heart,
Only then you may be ready to start.
When the candle is dimmed by the sunlight,
And you realise you have been up all night,
But you can’t tell whether the bird song
Was outside, or in your mind all along;
Then listen, and hear just what the reed said,
About loving and longing – before going to bed;
And before drifting off pause and offer a prayer
Of thanks to Mevlana - just for being there.
Hidden Treasure
Mevlana’s thoughts in my head,
Like a rich carpet in a shed,
Or a treasure in a battered trunk,
Or the finest wine, in an old drunk.
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