World Class Poetry Blog

A Sufi Mystic Poet From The
12th And 13th Centuries
11 April 2008, the poet @ 10:19 am

Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi was born in 1165 in Spain. A descendant of Arabians, he had a mystical experience as a boy that led to his developing a deep relationship with God and he is today one of the most revered sufi philosophers. His poetry flows beautifully and his famous long poem “The Interpreter of Desires” is a rich poem of love that uses metaphorical language to depict man’s longing for God. Here is his poem “In Memory of Those Who Melt The Soul Forever”:

Their spring meadows
are desolate now. Still, desire
for them lives always
in our heart, never dying.

     These are their ruins.
     These are the tears
     in memory of those
     who melt the soul forever.

I called out, following after
love-dazed:
You so full with beauty,
I've nothing!

     I rubbed my face in the dust,
     laid low by the fever of love.
     By the privilege of the right of desire for you
     don't shatter the heart

Of a man drowned in his words,
burned alive
in sorrow.
Nothing can save him now.

     You want a fire?
     Take it easy. This passion
     is incandescent. Touch it.
     It will light your own.

Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi died in Damascus in 1240 A.D.

3 Comments a “A Sufi Mystic Poet From The
12th And 13th Centuries”

1. Pam — April 13, 2008 @ 2:10 pm
   

   This is a wonderful poem– love the phrase, “rubbed my face in the dust, laid low by the fever of love”. It is a poignant reminder that to love one must humble oneself. I will have to search for more of this poet’s work.

2. the poet — April 13, 2008 @ 3:54 pm
   

   Yes, Pam, I agree. The images are quite beautiful. Two of my favorite lines in this poem are

        in memory of those
        who melt the soul forever.

   and

                    This passion
        is incandescent. Touch it.

3. janetleigh — April 19, 2008 @ 1:46 am
   

   Ditto for me, Allen. The last stanza rocks! (Are you really surprised.. ;> )

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