Rumi, My Roomie

I stared at the wall, it stared back at me. I was so lonesome longed for a roomie. And as I despaired, with feelings of dread, I heard a low moan at foot of my bed. Wonder of wonders, beheld there a cow, Afraid was I with sweat wetting my brow. Quietly stared at the ruminant breed Chewing cud of regurgitated feed. Large were its eyes, as marbled limpid pools, Did it hide wisdom from mystical schools? As time ticked by I was caught in its thrall, Couldn't find reason for the mesmeric fall. And then when I thought my mind was all gone, I heard the cock crow, and soon it was dawn! My phantom companion with a low low, With a nod of its head got up to go. Before it vanished it pointed a look At the pile of tomes lying in a nook. As I reached out for a dust-covered book, The phantom vanished before I could look. Shaken and stirred, I dusted the cover Wondering at what I would discover. Treasure I found on each and every page, Food for the soul, wisdom for every age. A rapture in each line which sets you free, A splendor in the "feel-and-see-and-be". A release, as in abandon you whirl, Immersed as you are in the dervish's twirl. Now I'm never alone, I've my Roomie, A mentor, a guide, a friend in Rumi!