sunrise ruby

'THE SUNRISE RUBY' by Rumi (translation by Coleman Barks)

In the early morning hour, just before dawn, lover and beloved wake
and take a drink of water.

She asks, "Do you love me or yourself more? Really, tell me the absolute truth."

He says, "There's nothing left of me. I'm like a ruby held up to the sunrise.
Is it still a stone, or a world made of redness? It has no resistance to sunlight."

This is how Hallaj said, I am God, and told the truth!

The ruby and the sunrise are one. Be courageous and discipline yourself.

Completely become hearing and ear, and wear this sun-ruby as an earring.

Work. Keep digging your well. Don't think about getting off from work.
Water is there somewhere.

Submit to a daily practice. Your loyalty to that is a ring on the door.

Keep knocking, and the joy inside will eventually open a window
and look out to see who's there.