Zero Circle

This poem by Rumi says it just about right. Just about as perfect as it can be said. Sometimes it's false to cry yes, but it's impossible to say no. This is the paradox of our existence. I am going to quit and let the poem talk.....


ZERO CIRCLE
by Rumi

Be helpless, dumbfounded,
Unable to say yes or no.
Then a stretcher will come from grace
to gather us up.

We are too dull-eyed to see that beauty.
If we say we can, we're lying.
If we say No, we don't see it,
That No will behead us
And shut tight our window onto spirit.

So let us rather not be sure of anything,
Beside ourselves, and only that, so
Miraculous beings come running to help.
Crazed, lying in a zero circle, mute,
We shall be saying finally,
With tremendous eloquence, Lead us.
When we have totally surrendered to that beauty,
We shall be a mighty kindness.

Translated from the Persian, Farsi by Coleman Barks