Poem Analysis - Ive Come Again

Introduction: Defiance and Divine Intoxication

Rumi's "I've Come Again" is a bold declaration of spiritual rebellion, infused with a potent blend of defiance and divine love. The poem opens with an aggressive and transformative energy, promising upheaval and the dismantling of oppressive forces. The tone is initially confrontational and assertive, shifting later to a playfully rebellious defiance against the perceived injustices of life and the cosmos. This journey showcases a speaker empowered by spiritual intoxication, ready to challenge any obstacle in the pursuit of ultimate truth and freedom.

Thematic Exploration: Freedom Through Defiance

One central theme is the pursuit of freedom through defiance. The speaker consistently asserts their intention to "crash the gate of this old prison" and "break the teeth and claws / of this man-eating / monster we call life." This isn't mere anger; it’s a purposeful dismantling of perceived limitations. Rumi uses aggressive imagery to illustrate the active struggle against restrictive forces, whether societal constraints ("old prison") or the existential anxieties of life itself. The speaker’s willingness to risk everything—even praying to "break my back / before I break my word"—emphasizes the unwavering commitment to this rebellious quest for liberation.

Cosmic Accountability: Challenging Divine Indifference

Another significant theme revolves around cosmic accountability. The speaker challenges the indifference of the cosmos, stating, "i’ve come again / to puncture the / glory of the cosmos / who mercilessly / destroys humans." This reveals a dissatisfaction with the perceived cruelty or indifference of the universe towards human suffering. Instead of passively accepting this cosmic order, the speaker aims to "puncture" its "glory," suggesting a desire to expose its flaws and demand a different reality. This theme hints at a desire to understand and possibly alter the perceived unfairness of existence.

Love and Anarchy: A Spiritually Intoxicated State

A third theme is the transformative power of love and its potential for disruption. The speaker declares, "how do you dare to / let someone like me / intoxicated with love / enter your house." This "intoxication with love" is not a passive, sentimental emotion. Instead, it is a potent force capable of dismantling established structures and societal norms. The following lines, threatening to "break all this and / destroy all that," suggest that this love-fueled state transcends conventional boundaries and prioritizes spiritual truth over worldly possessions. The playful threat to throw wine in the sheriff's face epitomizes this anarchic spirit.

Symbolism: The Falcon and the Feast

Recurring symbols and vivid images enrich the poem's message. The falcon, hunting "the birds / of black omen," symbolizes the speaker's proactive pursuit of eliminating negativity and harmful influences. The falcon, a bird of prey, suggests strength, precision, and a willingness to confront darkness head-on. Conversely, the image of the "colourful table" and the "feast" represents the allure and potential deception of worldly pleasures. The speaker's frustration at being "punished" for enjoying the feast highlights the inherent contradiction in a life that offers temptation but then restricts genuine enjoyment. This "feast" could symbolize anything from material wealth to superficial relationships.

Conclusion: A Call to Spiritual Revolution

In conclusion, "I've Come Again" is a powerful testament to spiritual rebellion and the transformative force of divine love. Rumi's poem encourages a bold confrontation with the limitations imposed by society, the cosmos, and even our own minds. Through vivid imagery, a defiant tone, and a playful challenge to the established order, the poem invites readers to question, disrupt, and ultimately break free from any "prison" that inhibits the full experience of spiritual freedom. The poem's lasting significance lies in its call to action: a call for spiritual revolution fueled by love and unwavering dedication to truth.