' Rumi '...

I have returned, like the new year, to break the locks of the prison and smash the claws and teeth of these man-eating spheres. The seven waterless planets are devouring the creatures of earth — I will throw water upon their fire and still their winds. I have flown from the beginningless King like a falcon in order to kill the parrot-eating owls* of this ruined monastery. From the beginning I made a covenant to sacrifice my spirit to the King. May my spirit’s back be broken should I break my pledge and covenant! Today I am Asaf, Solomon’s vizier, sword and firman in hand — I will break the necks of any who are arrogant before the King. If you see the garden of the rebellious flourishing for a day or two, grieve not! For I will cut their roots from a hidden direction. I will break nothing but injustice or the evil- intentioned tyrant — should anything have a mote of savor, then I am an unbeliever should I break it Wherever there is a polo ball, it is taken away by the mallet of Oneness — if a ball does not roll down the field. I will smash it with the blow of my mallet. I now reside in His banquet, for I saw that His intention is Gentleness. I became the least servant of His way in order to break Satan’s legs. I was a single nugget, but when the Sultan’s hand grasped hold of me, I became the mine — if you place me in the balance, I will break the scales. When you allow a ruined and drunken man like myself into your house, do you not know at least this much: I will break this and break that? If the watchman shouts, “Hey!” I will pour a cup of wine on his head; and if the doorman seizes hold of me, I will break his arm. If the spheres do not rotate round my heart, I will pull them up by the roots; if the heavens act with villainy, I will smash the turning heavens. Thou hast spread the tablecloth of Generosity and invited me to lunch — why doest Thou rebuke me when I break the bread? No, no — I sit at the head of Thy table, I am the chief of Thy guests. I will pour a cup or two of wine upon the guests and break their shame. Oh Thou who inspirest my spirit with poetry from within! Should I refuse and remain silent, I fear I would break Thy command. If Shams-i Tabrizi should send me wine and make me drunk, I would be free of cares and break down the pillars of the universe. ........................... – Translation by William Chittick “The Sufi Path of Love” SUNY Press, Albany, 1984