A Bird of Paradise

With extreme joy I tear and shred my earthly garment.

    By casting of my clothes, into the glory of my soul I’ve grown.

I wear this earthly corps for what use, to what avail?

    I am not a cawing crow, of heavenly birds is my tone.

I am a bird of Paradise, I am not of the earthy realm.

For a few days imprisoned in my cage of flesh and bone.

My soul is my guide, for my soul is of that abode.

I will not speak of the earthly, I am of the unknown.

The fragrant morning breeze brings news of union. 

With joy and with song I’ll leave this cage, this earthly throne.

RUMI