His wisdom has caught me speechless. He should have been recognized as the medieval father of cheesy lines. His words are either too complex or too witty - worthy of a standing ovation. Despite the contradiction, the words cut deep I could almost feel blood frothing and gushing from my wrist. Please indulge in this cheesy offering for I have metaphorically lost my own voice tonight:
Reason says, I will beguile him with the tongue;" Love says, "Be silent. I will beguile him with the soul." Mystical Poems of Rumi 2 (translated by A.J. Arberry, 1991)
Last night you left and slept your own deep sleep. Tonight you turn and turn. I say, "You and I will be together till the universe dissolves." Like this: Rumi (versions by Coleman Barks, 1990)
I swear, since seeing Your face, the whole world is fraud and fantasy... A house of love with no limits, a presence more beautiful than Venus or the moon, a beauty whose image fills the mirror of the heart. Divani Shamsi Tabriz XV
Love is reckless; not reason. Reason seeks a profit. Love comes on strong, consuming herself, unabashed... Having died of self-interest, she risks everything and asks for nothing. Love gambles away every gift God bestows. Mathnawi VI, 1967-1974
I merge with my Beloved when I participate in love. In this house of mud and water, my heart has fallen to ruins. Enter this house, my Love, or let me leave. Divani Shamsi Tabriz XXXIV
That's as far as I can take you lest I corrupt your imagination contrary to my intention. I do not ever intend to define love, cheesy and overrated as it already is, but I'm offering you someone else's thoughts on the subject. Rumi's philosophy on love is profound and universal. It teaches rather than imposes. Coming from someone with Islamic origins, this is quite a contrast and an eye-opener for people who harbor preconceived notions against Muslims. Although there are too many metaphors, you can see clearly that Rumi wanted to showcase the idea of love as if it were a collage - as if it were an abstract painting open to various interpretations and full of limitless possibilities. To quote one of his admirers, Rumi's views (and not just on love and romance) are "ecumenical." I could add "eclectic" too, given how he repeatedly mentioned Christ with much awe and respect more than he ever mentioned Allah. Rumi believed that love is a force of immeasurable power and depth, which has made all things possible - even the creation of man and the universe. 
I died as a mineral and became a plant,
I died as plant and rose to animal,
I died as animal and I was Man.
Why should I fear? When was I less by dying?
Yet once more I shall die as Man, to soar
With angels bless'd; but even from angelhood
I must pass on: all except God doth perish.
When I have sacrificed my angel-soul,
I shall become what no mind e'er conceived.
Oh, let me not exist! for Non-existence
Proclaims in organ tones,
To Him we shall return.
I rue this lethargic meeting. I should have met this man of wisdom much, much earlier. My so-called love life would have been a little less complicated. OR NOT.
