Today Only One Face*

From the book "Rumi Inspiration"

 

 

What happens if all rumors are true.

Don’t ask me where it comes from.

It is in the smell of morning air.

 

In the silence, conscience speaks out.

Something in the throat.

Line after line, are they in the same boat?

 

Many voices; howls, murmurs, whispers.

Many colors; white, black, yellow, brown...

Many ages; young, old, very old.

Many faces,

and each person wears many of them. 

​

Today, only the same year-long worn-out face;

Like hat, dust laden, rugged trace of washing,

like shoe, uneven bottom,

cushion depressed, suffocated, air is gone.

Like pant, seams split, thread disappears.

Like glove, fingers poking out of holes.

Like old clothes,

like that everyday jacket, color faded.

Like old zipper, out of half step.

Like hair, decide to bid farewell

and you wish the good-bye hug

will last longer.

Like saggy sock.

Like beaten-down brush of toothbrush.

Like mirror, always numerous spots.

Like that very old car, maybe next year.

​

Many voices, many colors,

many ages, many faces.

 

It has been a long journey.

Today, only one face.

 

 

*Previously published in Chronogram
magazine, February 2021.