Unity and Separation

Every one of these poems is inspired by what Rumi refers to as the Friend with a capital F. The translators have made great efforts to preserve the essence and flavor of these poems. To do so has required at least some acculturation.

The Friend is somehow divine and yet just an intimate companion. The word "just" doesn't seem the word for it. There are three individuals, each of whom serves in this function during the course of these poems.

The poetry emerged the first time, after Shams went away for a while. This absence did not take place until after Rumi had spent a tremendous amount of one-on-time with him. During the vast majority of the time they spent together they conversed. Their togetherness fostered a strong sense of unity, of union and oneness. This nurtured a sense of wholeness. Rumi began writing poetry perhaps...