How sweet is selflessness....by Rumi

Whether it’s sugar or poison, 
How sweet is selflessness !

You grab a hat, you have no head. 
How sweet is selflessness !

When you fall into its trap, and try to get out
but find no escape…
when you take just a sip of its wine,
How sweet is selflessness !

Face your fear and be a man;
you’re alive, so be in motion.
Abandon gold for a heart of gold.
How sweet is selflessness !

You spread yourself like freezing rain.
Experience the miracle of melting.
Don’t be sad about this material world.
How sweet is selflessness !

Don’t complain that you’re trapped,
that your cup of life is full to the brim.
Find new life even in old age.
How sweet is selflessness !

How can you stay sober in this ocean of wine !
Surrender your skepticism !
How sweet is selflessness !

When those black curls of Hers appear,
ambergris seems less than worthless,
but what musk, what fragrant ambergris
is this sweet selflessness !

Come on to the rose garden, friend,
join the gathering of the drunks,
A glass in every hand !
How sweet is selflessness !

See the Power truly present,
witnessing each and every soul,
far beyond even selflessness.
How sweet is selflessness !

~ Rumi
Divani Shamsi Tabrizi
From Love's Ripening: Rumi on the Heart's Journey
Translated by K Helminski & A. Rezwani