Exploring Afghanistan (Photo: Emily O'Dell)
While exploring Rumi’s roots in Afghanistan–or at least the memory of them–I encountered this group of men on horseback, blocking the road. After we explained to them that we were lost, they pointed the way to the district where many Afghans believe Rumi’s family once lived (even if Tajiks maintain that he was from Vakhsh)…
Let sadness and your fears of death
sit in the corner and sulk.
The sky itself reels with love.
There is one being inside
all of us, one peace.
Poet, let every word tremble its wind bell.
Saddle the horse with great anticipation…
— Rumi
