Rumi on Ageing
Why does a date-palm lose its leaves in autumn? Why does every beautiful face grow in old age Wrinkled like the back of a Libyan lizard? Why does a full head of hair get bald? Why is the tall, straight figure That divided the ranks like a spear Now bent almost double? Why is it that the Lion's strength weakens to nothing? The wrestler who could hold anyone down Is led out with two people supporting him, Their shoulders under his arms? God answers, ...