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napowrimo #26: let's get metaphysical

by Christine Swint

It’s our day to shine the light of our awareness on our inner selves, and maybe even ask some questions about what exists in our deepest hearts. Whenever I’m in the mood to think about the big questions, like where I came from or where I’ll be going, I turn to the poetry of Rumi and Hafiz. These two Persian poets are examples of mystics who wrote about their interior lives in respect to something greater than themselves.

One of the more well-known contemporary translators of Rumi’s poetry into English is Coleman Barks. Here is a link to one of his translations, “What Was Told, That.”

And here’s the first stanza of the poem:

What was said to the rose that made it open was said
to me here in my chest.

Rumi was a medieval psychonaut who explored his connection to the universe by diving inward. Today, if you like, read “What Was Told, That,” and then write a poem in response.

Or, you can try responding to a poem by Hafiz. Daniel Ladinsky has translated “The Woman I Love,” by Hafiz. Read this poem, and write your own love poem to whatever you find when you look deeply into your own heart.

* * *

A note from “admin”: This month, since we’re all trying to write every day, we’re leaving the comments open with each prompt so you can post links to your poems as you write them. So, go ahead and write your poem, post your poem (with a link to Read Write Poem and a Read Write Poem tag, if you would) and come back to this very spot and share your link with us.

Of course, if you’re a creature of habit, you can always post your links at this week’s “Get Your Poem On” post. Who are we to mess around with what works for you?

And don’t forget to go read the poems of others in this wonderful writing community. We’re all in this NaPoWriMo “mess” (ha ha!) together; let’s support each other in the insanity that is writing (every day)!

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Posted by christine swint under Christine Swint, NaPoWriMo 2009

37 comments to napowrimo #26: let’s get metaphysical

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    June 20, 2010 | 1:36 pm

    The Read Write Poem NaPoWriMo Anthology is still in production. Selection, placement, layout and copyediting are taking longer than anticipated. Thank you for your patience. I hope to have the piece completed in July. For those who have emailed asking if they can be included, the May 7 deadline for submission of work stands. Those who met that deadline will be included. Please check the post on this site listing who I received submissions from by that date. If you submitted your work by the May 7 deadline in accordance with our guidelines and your name is not listed, send an email to info (at) readwritepoem (dot) org.

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    May 5, 2010 | 3:09 pm

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    *I initially said “tomorrow,” but I meant to say “Friday.”

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