Top 10 Rumi Poems in English (With Meaning)
Jalal ad-Din Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet, mystic, and philosopher, remains one of the most widely read poets in the world. His poetry speaks about love, inner transformation, unity, and the soul’s journey toward meaning and truth.
Below, you’ll find the top 10 Rumi poems in English—timeless verses that continue to inspire readers through their spiritual depth, emotional honesty, and universal wisdom.
Top 10 Rumi Poems in English
1. The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival…
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
Theme: Accepting emotions as teachers.
This poem encourages us to welcome joy, sorrow, and pain alike—each experience carries meaning and growth.
2. Don’t Grieve
Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round
in another form.
Theme: Transformation through loss.
Rumi reminds us that endings often prepare us for renewal.
3. The Song of the Reed (Reed Flute)
Listen to the reed how it complains,
telling a tale of separation.
Theme: Longing for the source.
The opening of the Masnavi, symbolizing the soul’s separation from its origin.
4. The Lamps Are Different
The lamps are different,
but the Light is the same.
Theme: Unity beyond form and belief.
Different paths, one shared truth.
5. Only Breath
Not Christian or Jew or Muslim…
I belong to the Beloved.
Theme: Transcending identity.
A declaration of spiritual freedom beyond labels.
6. Where There Is Ruin, There Is Hope for a Treasure
Where there is ruin,
there is hope for a treasure.
Theme: Growth through hardship.
Moments of collapse often hide deep transformation.
7. Why Are You So Busy With This or That?
Why are you so busy with good or bad?
Pay attention to how things blend.
Theme: Awareness beyond duality.
An invitation to presence and balance.
8. Yesterday I Was Clever
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world.
Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
Theme: Inner transformation.
True change begins within.
9. Set Your Life on Fire
Set your life on fire.
Seek those who fan your flames.
Theme: Passion and devotion.
A call to live fully and intentionally.
10. When the Soul Lies Down in That Grass
When the soul lies down in that grass,
the world is too full to talk about.
Theme: Love and transcendence.
An experience beyond words and language.
Learn Persian Poetry with Danaa School
If you’d like to explore Rumi and Persian poetry beyond translations, Danaa School offers structured courses in Persian language, literature, and cultural understanding—designed for learners of all levels.
FAQs
Are these poems originally written in English?
No. Rumi wrote in Persian. These are English translations.
Which Rumi book should beginners start with?
Many readers begin with The Essential Rumi before exploring the Masnavi.
Is Rumi religious?
Rumi was a Sufi mystic, but his message is spiritual and universal rather than dogmatic.
Find Your Perfect Teacher
At Danaa School, you can find your Persian Poetry Tutor from all qualified and experienced teachers.
Now experience the excellent language and poetry journey.
6. “The Silence of Love”
“I choose to love you in silence…
For in silence I find no rejection,
I choose to love you in loneliness…
For in loneliness no one owns you but me,
I choose to adore you from a distance…
For distance will shield me from pain,
I choose to kiss you in the wind…
For the wind is gentler than my lips,
I choose to hold you in my dreams…
For in my dreams, you have no end.”
Theme: Love is a transformative, quiet force that brings inner peace and spiritual fulfillment.
“The Silence of Love” speaks to love and devotion’s quiet, transformative power. Rumi describes love as a force that transcends words, bringing a stillness and peace that resonates within the soul.
Love is portrayed as an intimate, quiet force that nurtures inner peace, whether between people or in one’s connection with the divine.
7. “Out Beyond Ideas”
“There is a field. I’ll meet you there.
When the soul lies down in that grass,
The world is too full to talk about.
Ideas, language, even the phrase each other
Doesn’t make any sense.”
Theme: Transcend judgment and embrace unity and love.
In “Out Beyond Ideas,” Rumi invites us to a field where there is no right or wrong, only pure love and unity. This poem challenges the reader to move beyond judgment and duality and to embrace a space of unconditional love.
The field represents a place of spiritual understanding, where all differences dissolve, and only love remains. Learn more about “Out Beyond Ideas” by Rumi.
8. “The Water You Want”
“Someone may be clairvoyant, able to see
the future, and yet have very little wisdom.
Like the man who saw water in his dream,
and began leading everyone toward the mirage.
I am the one with heart-vision.
I have torn open the veil.
So they set out with him inside the dream,
while he is actually sleeping
beside a river of pure water.
Any search moves away from the spot
where the object of the quest is.
Sleep deeply wherever you are on the way.
Maybe some traveler will wake you.
Give up subtle thinking, the twofold, threefold
multiplication of mistakes.
Listen to the sound of waves within you.
You are dreaming your thirst,
when the water you want
is inside the big vein on your neck.”
Theme: True fulfillment is found within ourselves, not in external sources.
Rumi’s poem “The Water You Want” uses the water metaphor to symbolize life’s deeper fulfillment. He reminds us that what we seek is often closer than we think and that true satisfaction comes from within.
The poem encourages self-reflection and the recognition that we already possess the necessary resources to be fulfilled.
9. “Love Is the Bridge”
“That distance can be a short float along a lake
or a long scenic walk up Mt. Everest
no matter the distance, it’s your’s to take
it maybe a challenge but it’s just a test
you will get there when you suppose to
whatever it takes, just go through
remember love is the bridge between you and everything
If you don’t give up as you journey the walk
Remember the love and distance as you self talk
that connect you to what you want and what you will get
Trust God, step by step, don’t give up, it’s okay to fret
but know that your destiny to wherever is already set.”
Theme: Love is the transformative power that connects us to others and the divine.
In “Love Is the Bridge,” Rumi portrays love as the connection between the soul and the physical world. Love is both a guide and a bridge, linking our inner spiritual world with our external experiences.
Through love, we connect not only with others but also with the divine, facilitating a journey of spiritual transformation. Discover more love poems written by Rumi by reading our guide on Rumi’s Love Poems.
10. “Where Everything Is Music”
“Don’t worry about saving these songs!
And if one of our instruments breaks,
it doesn’t matter.
We have fallen into the place
where everything is music.
The strumming and the flute notes
rise into the atmosphere,
and even if the whole world’s harp
should burn up, there will still be
hidden instruments playing.
So the candle flickers and goes out.
We have a piece of flint, and a spark.
This singing art is sea foam.
The graceful movements come from a pearl
somewhere on the ocean floor.
Poems reach up like spindrift and the edge
of driftwood along the beach, wanting!
They derive
from a slow and powerful root
that we can’t see.
Stop the words now.
Open the window in the centre of your chest,
and let the spirits fly in and out.”
Theme: Life is entire of divine rhythm, and joy can be found in every moment.
In “Where Everything Is Music,” Rumi celebrates the rhythm and energy of life, suggesting that everything in existence is a form of divine music. This poem encourages readers to listen for everyday life’s divine melody and find joy in the seemingly mundane.
Rumi’s vibrant imagery reminds us that even in the most ordinary moments, there is an underlying current of divine energy. Learn More about “What You Seek is Seeking” You Poem.
FAQs
Who was Rumi?
Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet, theologian, and Sufi mystic. His work transcends time and culture, focusing on love, spirituality, and the human connection to the divine.
What is Rumi's most famous poem?
One of Rumi’s most well-known poems is “The Guest House,” which encourages readers to embrace all of life’s experiences as opportunities for growth.
Where can I read more of Rumi's poems?
Rumi’s works are widely available in bookstores and online platforms. Collections like “The Essential Rumi” and “Rumi: The Book of Love” are excellent starting points for exploring his poetry.
Why is Rumi considered a significant figure in literature?
Rumi is celebrated for his profound spiritual insights and the beauty of his verse. His ability to convey complex ideas through simple yet powerful language has cemented his place as one of the most influential poets in history.
Can Rumi's poetry be relevant to modern life?
Absolutely! Rumi’s exploration of universal themes like love, loss, and the search for meaning continues to resonate with contemporary readers, offering valuable insights and guidance for modern life’s challenges.
Conclusion
Inspired by Rumi’s timeless poetry? Join the Danaa School community to deepen your understanding and appreciation of literature and poetry. Our classes offer a nurturing environment where you can explore the beauty of words, the depth of meaning, and the joy of creative expression. Dive into the world of poetry, and let Rumi’s wisdom guide your journey of self-discovery and inspiration.
Sign up for our poetry and literature classes today!
Want to Learn Persian Poetry at Danaa School?
Here are the best resources for you!
