Like This

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If anyone asks you
how the perfect satisfaction
of all our sexual wanting
will look, lift your face
and say,

Like this.

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When someone mentions the gracefulness
of the night sky, climb up on the roof
and dance and say,

Like this.
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If anyone wants to know what ‘spirit’ is,
or what ‘God’s fragrance’ means,
lean your head toward him or her.
Keep your face there close.

Like this.
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When someone quotes the old poetic image
about clouds gradually uncovering the moon,
slowly loosen knot by knot the strings
of your robe.

Like this.
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If anyone wonders how Jesus raised the dead,
don’t try to explain the miracle.
Kiss me on the lips.

Like this. Like this.
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When someone asks what it means
to ‘die for love,’ point
here.
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If someone asks how tall I am, frown
and measure with your fingers the space
between the creases on your forehead.

This tall.
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The soul sometimes leaves the body, the returns.
When someone doesn’t believe that,
walk back into my house.

Like this.
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When lovers moan,
they’re telling our story.

Like this.
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I am a sky where spirits live.
Stare into this deepening blue,
while the breeze says a secret.

Like this.
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by Jalaluddin Rumi