Spirit Communication Received

Local Author Extols Virtue of Rest

Ever start your day by cracking open a book and achieving instant satori, like being in the glare of a white-hot spiritual follow spot, and placed there by the voice of a long-dead author? Welcome to my world.

But today’s pre-dawn reading, from Rumi, landed in a manner most especially profound and apt. Here the poet reminds me not only of all I’ve achieved, but that which I most desire now:

NO FLAG

“I used to want buyers for my words.

Now I wish someone would buy me away from words.

I’ve made a lot of charmingly profound images,

scenes with Abraham, and Abraham’s father, Azar,

who was also famous for icons.

I’m so tired of what I’ve been doing.

Then one image without form came,

And I quit.

Look for someone else to tend the shop.

I’m out of the image-making business.

Finally, I know the freedom of madness.

A random image arrives. I scream “Get out!”

It disintegrates.

Only love.

Only the holder the flag fits into,

And wind.

No flag.

—Rumi