Dec 28, 2012

The Essential Rumi - ( In Time For New Year's Eve)


The Essential Rumi translated by Coleman Barks
Paperback published May 28, 2004 by HarperOne

I bought this book of poetry by the thirteenth century Sufi mystic and Persian poet, Rumi, allegedly the most widely read poet in the U.S. A brief story in each chapter is followed by poetry. The first chapter, The Tavern, talks about the drinking of wine.
Chapter 1: The Tavern: Whoever Brought Me Here Will Have to Take Me Home
ON THE TAVERN
In the tavern are many wines - the wine of delight in color and form and taste, the wine of the intellect's agility, the fine port of stories, and the cabernet of soul singing....
All day I think about it, then at night I say it.
Where did I come from, and what am I supposed to be doing?
 (Rumi)

I wonder if the word "ruminate" comes from the ruminations of Rumi? In any case, I am thoroughly enjoying this book, which I pick up and put down whenever I'm in the mood, with or without wine :)

Have a Happy New Year everyone!

4 comments:

  1. Lovely review! This book sounds like one to savor. Happy New Year, Harvee!

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  2. I have heard about Rumni's poetry but never met anyone who actually told me that they read him. I would like to read this someday. I only know a minimal amount about Sufism and really want to know more about it.

    The passage that you quoted above is great!

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  3. Sounds like a good one, I do enjoy poetry.

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  4. I've always seen Rumi quoted. Never have seen the whole book. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

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