Jalaluddin Rumi Comes to Oakland - Ralph Dranow

[Lawrence Robinson]

Jalaluddin Rumi Comes to Oakland

Jalaluddin Rumi is signing copies
of his new book, Much Love,
in front of Arizmendi bakery
on Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland.
Several hundred of his fans
snake around the block,
waiting patiently in the summer heat
for the privilege of his presence.
He’s dressed modestly in faded blue jeans,
a T-shirt proclaiming: Much Love,
and old running shoes.
A female pilgrim finally reaches Mecca,
standing before the bearded poet,
whose penetrating but kind gaze searches her face,
tunnels into her heart.
“Remember, you are a shard of God.
 Don’t go back to sleep,” he tells her.
A small tremor rocks her body,
happiness pouring through her like warm honey. 

	- Ralph Dranow