To the rising sun and setting moon and receding stars, this morning I read from The Essential Rumi, Translations by Coleman Barks, section 17, On Solomon, Solomon Poems - about Queen Sheba and her relationship with Solomon. The final readings in this section were The Far Mosque and A bird delegation came to Solomon -
The Far Mosque
The place that Solomon made to worship in,
called the Far Mosque, is not built of earth
and water and stone, but of intentions and wisdom
and mystical conversation and compassionate action.
Every part of it is intelligence and responsive
to every other. The carpet bows to the broom,
the door knocker and the door swing together
like musicians. This heart sanctuary does
exist, but it can't be described. Why try!
Solomon goes there every morning and gives guidance
with words, with musical harmonies, and in actions,
which are the deepest teaching. A prince is just
a conceit until he does something with generosity.
A bird delegation came to Solomon complaining,
"Why is it you never criticize the nightingale?"
"Because my way," the nightingale explained
for Solomon, "is different. Mid-March
to mid-June I sing. The other
nine months, while you continue chirping,
I'm silent."
The Essential Rumi, Translations by Coleman Barks
Published by HarperSanFrancisco
New Expanded Edition
