Journey From self To Self

If a tree could run or fly

it would not suffer from the teeth of a saw

or the blows of an axe.

If the Sun did not run across the sky

the world would not see

the colors of morning.

If water did not rise from the sea

plants would not be quickened

by rivers or rain.

It's only when a drop leaves the ocean and returns

that it can find an oyster

and become a pearl.

When Yusuf left his father

both were weeping.

Didn't he gain a kingdom and a fortune

in the end?

Didn't the Prophet

gain the world and a hundred empires

by traveling to Medina?

But you have no need to go anywhere

journey within yourself.

Enter a mine of rubies

and bathe in the splendor of your own light.

O great one,

Journey from self to Self

and find the mine of gold.

Leave behind what is sour and bitter

move toward what is sweet.

Be like the thousand different fruits

that grow from briny soil.

This is the miracle

Every tree becomes beautiful

when touched by sunlight;

Every soul becomes 'God'

when touched by the Shams of Tabriz.

Jalaluddin Rumi