Poem Analysis - After Being In Love The Next Responsibility

An Invitation to Love's Responsibility

Rumi's "After Being In Love, The Next Responsibility" is a compelling invitation to embrace the challenging but ultimately rewarding commitment that follows the initial thrill of love. The poem begins with a plea for transformation and quickly expands into a celebration of universal love and a call to action. Its tone is initially supplicating but evolves into one of confident encouragement, urging the reader to accept love's demanding "next responsibility." The poem's overall mood is optimistic and inspiring.

The River of Love: A Metaphor for Transformation

One of the central themes in the poem is the transformative power of love. This is immediately established in the opening line, "Turn me like a waterwheel turning a millstone." This image suggests a desire for constant renewal and purposeful action, fueled by love. The "Living River" symbolizes the endless source of love, capable of driving positive change. The poet wishes to be a vessel, both anchored and dynamic, spreading love even while remaining grounded. This signifies a key aspect of the next responsibility: being a constant source of love without losing oneself.

Love's Universal Language

Another key theme is the pervasiveness of love throughout the universe. Rumi illustrates this with a series of vivid images: "Leaf-moves in wind, straw drawn toward amber," and descriptions of cows, ants, mountains, and the sky. These examples depict love not as a human emotion alone, but as a fundamental force connecting all things. Even the sun's brightness and the grass on a hill are attributed to love. This widespread devotion emphasizes that love is not just an emotion, but a cosmic principle guiding the universe. However, the poem also points to a contrast: other elements of the universe participate in this love unconsciously, but humanity has the capacity to choose the more responsible conscious form of love.

Faith, Fear, and the Inspired Knowing

The poem highlights the choice and the challenge that comes with embracing the "next responsibility of love." While the other parts of the universe readily embrace love, humanity, "was afraid they might make a mistake with it." This fear underscores the vulnerability that comes with conscious, active love. It acknowledges that love is not always easy or perfect. However, the poem emphasizes that the potential for error should not deter us. Instead, we should strive to be "faithful that you may know Faith," implying that true faith is found in the act of loving responsibly, even with the risk of making mistakes. The "inspired knowing" is the profound understanding that emerges from this courageous and committed love.

The Call to Conscious Love

Rumi’s poem is more than just a celebration of love; it is a call to action. It encourages us to move beyond the initial passion and embrace the ongoing responsibility that love demands. The imagery of the waterwheel and the universal examples of love serve to inspire and empower the reader. Ultimately, the poem suggests that true fulfillment lies not just in experiencing love, but in consciously choosing to embody it, even amidst the potential for imperfection. By accepting this "next responsibility," we can tap into the "inspired knowing" and become active participants in the transformative power of love itself.