Feeling in Words

Okay, to start off, I don’t think I’ve ever read a poem that kept my attention like this one did. “Like This” by Rumi uses a mix of figurative language and repetition to make the poem seem as close and intimate as a loving and passionate relationship. Had this poem been originally written in any other language like English, I’m certain the meaning would have been lost on me, or at least not have been hammered into me as effectively.

The poem is meant to depict the love between two people in worded form, and does so in a way that makes the reader feel that they aren’t an observer, but part of that union themselves; for example, Lines 12, 13, and 14 are:

“or what God’s fragrance” means

lean your head towards him or her.

Keep your face there close

The aforementioned figurative language compares the scent of one half of the couple to something the other half is thoroughly enamored with, comparing it to God; the poem repeats this process with a variety of different phrases, but these different phrases all mean the same thing at their core: love.

I noticed that as the poem goes along, the words and meaning behind them grow in intensity and in intimacy, as indicated by the lines “slowly loosen knot by knot the strings” (Line 18) and “Kiss me on the lips” (Line 23). It becomes a crescendo of sorts, almost representative of a couple preparing for passion and the increasing feelings leading up to it.

There is a recurring element throughout the poem that consistently repeats itself after each paragraph: the words “like this”. I’m torn on what the real meaning of this phrase actually represents; on one hand, I get the impression it is the narrator’s thoughts, as he/she and their lover do what the paragraphs before each “like this” describe; we as readers follow along as the couple dance on the rooftop, kiss, enjoy quiet nights together, and do everything that being a happy couple implies. And, of course, regarding a more sexual aspect, “like this” could also be representative of the couple’s first time making love; fumbling with each other as they try to find out what the other enjoys.

Overall, the figurative language used in the poem comes together to help give a touching throwback to what a genuinely loving relationship is, or at least can be; it’s not just kissing and sex, but the emotional bonds that two people forge, bit by bit, everlasting.

 

By Daniel Amaro

True Love, Like This

By Alex Luna

The poem “Like This” by Rumi is a fascinating love poem, in which the speaker describes and uses figurative language to demonstrate why their love is damn near perfect, or possibly is perfect in every way. The poem utilizes a recurring structure that is effective in convincing the reader of the speaker’s legitimate love for the subject due to their figurative language. When looking at a few stanza’s, we see how the use of figurative language not only reveals their love for the subject but how their religious affiliation enhances that love. 

The poem paints a picture or scenario and implores the subject to boast that they themselves are that beautiful thing. From the first line, “the perfect satisfaction of all our sexual wanting will look” and saying that the speaker is that very thing, we can tell that the speaker holds the subject at such high regard. This comparison of “sexual wanting” brings about connotations of lust, possibly orgasmic feelings that the speaker feels towards this person. It’s especially interesting when taking Rumi’s background into consideration. Being Muslim, one may assume that sex is a more private topic, only between a husband and wife. Yet, here Rumi completely flaunts sexuality and celebrates it between the speaker and subject. With this in mind, the subject must be so important to the speaker that they are willing to go above religious norms to demonstrate their love. While not mentioning religion specifically, the connotations are there when considering Rumi as a poet. 

These religious tones continue into the following stanza. The line “when someone mentions the gracefulness of the night sky.” The word “gracefulness” conveys more religious images as if someone were looking towards that night sky in absolute awe at God’s creation. So for the speaker to make use of this figurative language, it makes the subject seem full of grace, with connotations of having God’s care and influence. This reference to grace implies that religion is important to the speaker and that makes the figurative language that much more powerful. He establishes a type of Metonymy, where the subject is now being associated with religion. 

Furthermore, when taking these religious themes in mind, we can see more development in the line “if anyone wants to know what ‘spirit’ is, or what ‘God’s fragrance’ means” lean your head toward him or her, like this.” A very delicate line, implying a sense of divinity towards this person. Again, Rumi’s religious affiliation comes into play. This figurative language of being “God’s fragrance” not only implies the person smells really good but is basically divine and worthy of being up there with God. Islam is a religion that holds it’s God of Allah very sacred, so to say this person is up there with them is an honor. 

Finally, the line “If anyone wonders how Jesus raised the dead, don’t try to explain the miracle, kiss me on the lips.” is the final confirmation needed to see just how much the speaker values the subject. Not only do they call the subject a miracle, but having the power Jesus did. In a way, it transcends being a simple metaphor and has possibly become something grand and meaningful that transcends life. Here, they finally are able to create a Synechdoche, a bridge or marriage between religion and the subject to be one thing. That thing the speaker shares with the subject, loving someone and being loved back that is so elusive and magical. Yet, requires a lot of faith, oftentimes in something beyond ourselves. That thing is true love.