quatrain 65

From sunlight, two further versions of quatrain #65, to add to the Houshmand one discussed at quiet day.

This bleating eventually stops. The wolf appears.
We run off in different directions,
with always some thought of how lucky we are.

But nothing floats for long.
Death floods in the mouth and the ear.
Every head goes under and away.

-- Version by Coleman Barks
Open Secret
Threshold Books, 1984

time will cut short
all this glory
this merciless wolf
will cut down the herd
everyone's head
is filled with ego
a flood called death
will wipe it out

--Translation by Nader Khalili
Rumi, Dancing the Flame
Cal-Earth Press, 2001

quatrain 784

From sunlight, a version of quatrain #784:

When you dance
the whole universe dances.
What a wonder,
I've looked
and now I cannot look away!
Take me or do not take me,
both are the same –
As long as there is life in this body,
I am your servant.

Version by Jonathan Star and Shahram Shiva
A Garden Beyond Paradise
Bantam Books, 1992