• Texts by composer, Jelaluddin Rumi. Premiered Kelly Demers, Michael Miller. 18 March, 1990, New England Conservatory, Boston. sop, pno
6’
Texts:
The last days of summer
why do they have to come?
the last days of summer
where do they have to go
how many faces will i see
till i see you again?
the last days of summer are here
—–
Turn me like a waterwheel turning a millstone.
Plenty of water, a Living River.
Keep me in one place and scatter the love.
Leaf-moves in wind, straw drawn toward amber,
all parts of the world are in love,
but they do not tell their secrets. Cows grazing
on a sacramental table, ants whispering in Solomon’s ear.
Mountains mumbling an echo. Sky, calm.
If the sun were not in love, he would have no brightness,
the side of the hill no grass on it.
The ocean would come to rest somewhere.
Be a lover as they are, that you come to know
you Beloved. Be faithful that you may know
Faith. The other parts of the universe did not accept
the next responsibility of love as you can.
They were afraid they might make a mistake
with it, the inspired knowing
that springs from being in love
poem 2 from furuzanfar #2674. translated by Coleman Barks. used by permission)
Michael Ellison 