Poem Analysis - I Have Come

An Overview: Yearning and Transformation

Rumi's "I Have Come" is a passionate and mystical love poem, spoken from the perspective of a divine lover to a beloved. The tone is initially assertive, almost demanding, but quickly softens into tenderness and playful pursuit. The poem conveys a deep longing for union and a process of transformation, where the individual self is dissolved into the divine. This transformation is not gentle or passive, but active, involving both enticement and a degree of force, suggesting the complex dynamics of spiritual growth.

Love's Compelling Force: A Central Theme

The central theme of this poem is undoubtedly love, but not in a conventional, romantic sense. Rather, it is a divine, transformative love that seeks to unite the lover and the beloved. This love is expressed through vivid imagery: the lover tugs the beloved's ear, plants them in their heart and soul, and embraces them like a spring tide. The repetition of "I have come" emphasizes the lover's unwavering commitment and purpose. The poem suggests that this love necessitates a surrender of the individual self ("unheart and unself you") to achieve a higher state of being. The line "I have come because you stole a kiss from an idol fair; give it back with a glad heart, master, for I will seize you back" suggests that the beloved has been distracted by something less worthy of their attention, and the lover must win them back, if necessary by force. This is not necessarily a literal reading, but can be seen as a reference to pursuing earthly desires over spiritual matters.

Dissolving the Ego: The Path to Oneness

Another crucial theme is the dissolution of the ego as a prerequisite for spiritual union. The lines "unheart and unself you" and "What is a mere rose? You are the All, you are the speaker of the command 'Say'" highlight the idea that the individual identity must be surrendered to recognize the divine within. The speaker emphasizes the beloved's divine nature, asserting that they are not just a "mere rose," but "the All." The repeated emphasis on the inherent divinity of the beloved ("You are my soul and spirit, you are my Fatiha-chanter, become altogether the Fatiha, so that I may chant you in my heart") leads the reader to understand the goal of the lover is not to possess the beloved, but to reveal the inherent divinity within them.

Transformation Through Trial: The Metaphor of Cooking

The theme of spiritual transformation is powerfully conveyed through imagery and metaphor. The image of the "cauldron" and the act of "cooking" is particularly striking ("Say nothing, froth not, do not raise the lid of the cauldron; simmer well, and be patient, for I am cooking you"). This suggests that the beloved must undergo a period of intense pressure and refinement to reach their full potential. The image of being cooked suggests a kind of trial by fire, where the inessential aspects of the self are burned away, leaving only the pure essence of the divine spark. The metaphor of the bowstring and the bow in the lines "Accept my blow, and advance like a hero’s shield; give your ear to naught but the bowstring, that I may bend you like a bow" speaks to a similar process of refinement, where pressure and pain are used to prepare the beloved for a greater purpose.

Ambiguity and Interpretation: The Lion and the Deer

The image of the lion and the deer presents an interesting ambiguity. The lion’s declaration that the beloved is a "wondrous deer" and the threat to "tear you to pieces" suggests both danger and allure. It is unclear whether the lion is the lover or a representation of worldly dangers from which the lover is trying to protect the beloved. This image could also represent the internal struggle between the ego (the lion) and the soul (the deer), which must be resolved for spiritual progress. The line "No, for you are a lion’s whelp hidden in a deer’s body: I will cause you suddenly to transcend the deer’s veil" further complicates the image by implying the beloved has the latent power of the lion within them, hidden beneath a facade of gentleness. This line further speaks to the transformation from the personal to the divine, releasing the latent, powerful lion inside.

Conclusion: A Quest for Union

In conclusion, Rumi's "I Have Come" is a profound exploration of divine love and spiritual transformation. The poem uses powerful imagery and shifting tones to portray the intense longing for union with the divine and the often-challenging process of shedding the ego. The poem underscores the idea that the path to enlightenment involves both enticement and a degree of force, as well as the recognition of the divine spark within oneself. Ultimately, "I Have Come" offers a glimpse into the mystical journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of love, leaving the reader contemplating the complexities of the relationship between the individual soul and the divine.