What a Nourisher: Rumi’s Masterpiece Verses
We recently posted Vaikh Bandeyya — a poem by Bulleh Shah with translation — that reflects on a world moving so quickly we often forget the quiet rhythms of trust and provision woven into life itself. Every bird, every small creature, rests in assurance — not from knowing what tomorrow holds, but from knowing Who holds it.
As always, all roads in Sufism lead back to our master, Maulana Rumi, whether through Bulleh Shah or Allama Iqbal.
We recently came across the following verses in which Rumi captures this truth beautifully — a reminder to breathe, release our worries, and remember the Source that nourishes all.
birds and wings
What a Nourisher
The sensible man doesn’t pay attention
to what increases or decreases,
since both pass like a quickly moving stream.
Whether the water of life runs clear
or is tumultuous as a flood,
don’t bother speaking of it—
it doesn’t endure more than a moment.
In this world thousands of animals live happily,
without the throes of anxiety.
The dove on the tree coos gratefulness,
even though her food for the night has not yet arrived.
The nightingale’s glorification is this:
“I depend for my daily bread,
on You who love to respond.”
The falcon delights in the King’s hand,
and no longer looks at carrion.
Look at every animal from the gnat to the elephant:
they all are God’s family
and dependent on Him for their food.
What a nourisher is God!
All these griefs within our hearts
arise from the smoke and dust
of our existence and vain desires.
[Rumi, Mathnawi I: 2289-2296, The Rumi Daybook, tr. Kabir and Camille Helminski]
