There’s hidden sweetness in the stomach’s emptiness.


We are lutes, no more, no less.

When you’re full of food and drink, Satan sits

where your spirit should,

an ugly metal statue in place of the Kaaba.

If the brain and belly are burning clean with fasting...,

every moment a new song comes out of the fire.

The fog clears, and new energy makes you

run up the steps in front of you.

Be emptier and cry like reed instruments cry.

Emptier, write secrets with the reed pen.



Rumi