the rope of reason
tugs at the heart of my soul
I’m lost in wine

©Vivian Zems

Carpe Diem Haiku Kai #1390

Inspired by Rumi, the Mystical Poet

The Flute Weeps:

the flute weeps
to the pacing drum

the drunken camel
rises from its knees
and tugs at the rope of reason

the bird flutters
in the heart’s cage
putting out his head
on this side and that

the flood fills
the ancient riverbed
and once again
the riverbanks are green

the falcon hears
the royal drum
and circles seeking
the wrist of the king 

the musk deer
smells the lion
and her haunches are trembling

the madmen have seen
the moon in the window;
they are running to the roof
with ladders

somewhere tonight
a dervish cries 

“it was my soul
in the wine!
it was my soul!” 

© Rumi (Tr. Daniel Liebert)